AVSAB Position Paper on Puppy
Socialization -
p. 2
Proper confinement training
using pens or crates helps to
ensure that puppies have safe
and secure places for rest and
confinement. Puppies that are
used to being crated will be
less stressed if they
must be hospitalized or be
confined for travel by plane or
car.
Crates
should serve as comfort or play
areas.
Early and adequate socialization
and programs of positive
training can go a long way to
preventing behavior problems and
improving bonding between humans
and dogs.
While
the first three months is the
most important socialization
period in a puppy's life, owners
of puppies that have
passed this milestone are
strongly encouraged to continue
to
socialize their puppies to as
many people, pets, and locations
as is practical.
However,
owners of puppies
displaying fear should seek
veterinary guidance.
Puppies
should receive a minimum
of one set of vaccines at least
7 days
prior to the first class and a
first de-worming, and should be
kept
up-to-date on vaccines
throughout the class.
In general puppies can
start
(off-leash positive method
socialization classes )as
early as 7-8 weeks of age.
References
1. Serpell J, Jagoe JA. Early
experience and the development
of
behaviour. In Serpell J (ed).
The Domestic Dog, p.82-102,
Cambridge
University Press 1995
2. Freedman DG, King JA, Elliot
O. 1961. Critical periods in the
social development of the
dog. Science, 133, 1016-1017
3. Miller DM, Stats SR, Partlo
BS, et al. Factors associated
with
the decision to surrender a pet
to an animal shelter. J Am Vet
Med
Assoc 1996;209:738- 742.
4. Duxbury MM, Jackson JA, Line
SW, Anderson RK. Evaluation of
association between
retention in the home and
attendance at puppy
socialization classes.
JAVMA, 223 (1), 2003, 61-66.
5. Eskeland GE, Tillung RH,
Bakken M. The effect of
punishment,
rewards, control and
attitude in obedience and
problem behaviors in
dogs. Proceedings IVBM
2007;103-104.
6. Hilby EF, Rooney NJ, Bradshaw
JWS. Dog training methods
their
use, effectiveness and
interaction with behaviour and
welfare.
Animal Welfare 2004;13:
63-69.
7. Bradshaw JW, McPherson JA,
Casey RA, Larter LS. Aetiology
of
separation-related behavior in
domestic dogs. Vet Record
2002;191:43-46.
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R.K.
Anderson's Position Statement
Dr. Tripp's Position Statement
The Animal
Behavior Network provides easy
methods and turn-key curriculum
to Veterinary Practices and Pet
Professionals on how to offer
puppy and kitten socialization
socialization parties and
socialization classes.
Pet parents
attend parties and classes at a
Network Member's location and
also receive Courses provided by
the Network on how take
follow-up steps at home.
Learn how
with a
Free 30 Day Course!