Though hard scientific evidence is still lacking there is enough anecdotal reports and case studies to support the notion that early puppy training and socialization can prevent serious dog behavior problems.
A study by Jagoe in 1995 detected several significant associations between early puppy illness and later behavior problems such as heightened incidence of dominance aggression, aggression towards strangers, fear of strangers and children, separation anxiety and abnormal sexual behavior. The author of the study hypothesized that the reduced contact with the outside world due to their medical care contributed to the development of later behavior problems.
The importance of early exposure to a rich environment has been documented through scientific research.
Research (Fuller, 1967) has demonstrated that as little as 20 minutes of social contact per week during the socialization period is sufficient to offset the adverse effects of social isolation in puppies. So imagine what can be done if you interact with your puppy daily and often.
The Socialization period for a puppy is 3 to 12 weeks. During this period puppies exhibit a pronounced sensitivity for acquisition of a wide variety of social and environmental copying skills.
Socialization and environmental exposure should happen before a puppy is 16 weeks old. Efforts should be made to expose puppies to a wide variety of physical and social situations that are engaging and positive. The keys to successful socialization are patient and gradual and orderly progression of exposure to novel situations. Puppies that are engaged in activities such as training and play exercises tend to be less anxious and fearful.
If puppies are not provided with adequate social contact or to an environment rich in variety their psychological development may be significantly compromised or impaired.
Such puppies are unlikely to reach their full potential as adults and are at risk of developing a variety of behavior problems. This period is called the "Critical Period for Social Learning" and research shows that this period may be the time that puppies are most receptive to training.
Studies show that a puppy at 8 weeks functions at nearly an adult level for learning capability. As puppies mature the ease at which they learn declines by the age of 16 weeks.
I think the preponderance of evidence suggests that puppy training should start well before 16 weeks and as early as possible. This is why I have developed a Three Phase Puppy Program to get owners and their puppies on the right track for developing a well behaved dog and preventing dog behavior problems.
For more information on The Dog Squad's Puppy Programs
Click Here.
