In the following article one will be able to learn more about the importance of socialization for puppies and kittens as well as ways that enhances this process.
Young animal must be socialized especially the puppies and kittens, for this, socialization is very vital. Such includes presenting them to different experiences, people, other animals and environment in a well monitored and positive manner. It is important that they learn these early on so as to reduce their fears and anxiety and so that they are well mannered adult pets.
Socialization is not just merely exposing your pet to new things but more so, to ensure he/she learns the right response to specific situations. Common socialization period last from 3 to 14 weeks in case of puppies while in case of kittens it may range from 2 to 7 weeks. At this special age, their brains are most open for learning and therefore the recommended period to expose them to several experiences in terms of vision, hearing, smell, and touch as well as physical and social contacts.
If the puppies and kittens are not properly socialized they may end up developing problems such as aggressiveness, fear, and anxiety and these are problems that may last for the rest of the animal’s life. Again, socialization assists in their process of adapting to the existing environment be it the sound of a vacuum cleaner, the touch of a leash/harness or even meeting a jovial stranger. It is so crucial that, if a pet does not go through this, then it is less likely to adapt to change and may develop fear that results in stress and other hard-to-change behaviors later.
Reduces Fear and Anxiety: When the puppies and kittens are socialized they are assured in new environments hence the quality and safety of our products. It also helps them to avoid developing phobias and anxiety disorders he or she may develop in future years. For instance, the well exposed puppy will not be freaked out during a thunderstorm while the easily socialized kitten will be easy to handle in a noisy environment.
Habitat, socialization and microchipping helps young pets learn on how they should interact with other animals and people around them. Dogs learn how to control their bites and how to play with people without being dangerous, and cats learn when playing should one not scratch or bite. This foundation of manners makes them to be more polite as they associate with other people.
Pets that have been trained and taken through the socialization process are capable of handling change of environment. New people in the household, alteration of the schedule or moving to a new home is easy for a well-socialized animal. This flexibility is preferred since it minimizes stress in the pet together with the owner as well.
Some of the common causes for pet owners to relinquish their pets includes Behavioral problems. Petiquette minimizes the occurrence of undesirable behaviors like aggression, excessive barking or scratching in the wrong places. These problems, however, can be avoided by owners taking their pets through socialization at an early age.
Socializing your puppy or kitten involves exposing it to new stimulus in a step by step manner. Always cuddle your arrival during the initial hours and let them move around freely all over the house. Reward children to make them take up new experiences since they usually associate them with something bad. For instance, you should briefly drive with your puppy or let friends come to your house to meet your kitten.
Let your pet play with different individuals male, female, children and those who wear hats, sunglasses etc. Explain to them the acceptable manner of handling other animals, this can be done by exposing them with other animals most especially those that have been vaccinated. But always be present to observe these relationships to make sure that they are healthy and appropriate.
Socialize your pet with usual household sounds such as that of the vacuum cleaner, hairdryer or the door bell. They can also be exposed to carpet, tile, grass, and sand that has different texture so that they may know the difference. These experiences in a way rid the young ones of the possibility of fear responses in their lifetime.
If your pet is okay being around other pets and various people, then it will be very useful to take him or her for socialization classes. These classes also include useful thoughts for owners as to how to properly train the creature, stressing on positive behavior.
It may be wise to spend some quality time with your pet during the initial days to avoid developing behavioral problems, improve the pet’s well-being and establish good friendship with your pet.
