Maltese Puppy Socialization
Socialization and Maltese Puppy training are of utmost importance as Maltese Puppy-hood is the most important and critical time in your dog's development. What you do and do not does right now will affect your dog's behavior forever.
A properly socialized dog is well adjusted and makes a good companion. It is neither frightened by nor aggressive towards anyone or anything would it normally meet in day to day living. An un-socialized dog is untrustworthy and an unwanted liability. They often become fear-biters. Often they like to fight with other dogs. They are difficult to train and are generally unpleasant to be around. Un-socialized dogs cannot adapt to new situations and a simple routine visit to the vet is a nightmare not only for the dog itself, but for everyone involved. Don't let this happen to you and your dog. Start socializing your new Maltese Puppy NOW! Vets agree that the socialization period lasts up to about 12 weeks (3 months) of age. However, at 12 weeks, the Maltese Puppy must continue socialization to refine its social skills. Socialization most easily occurs before the Maltese Puppy is 3 months old. Any later than that and it becomes an excruciatingly difficult and time-consuming process that very few owners have the time, energy, money or patience to cope with.
Socialization Do's
Make sure that each of the following events are pleasant and non-threatening. If
your Maltese Puppy's first experience with something is painful and frightening,
you will be defeating your purpose. In fact, you will be creating a phobia that
will often last a lifetime. It's better to go too slow and assure your Maltese
Puppy is not frightened or injured than to rush and force your pup to meet new
things and people.
>>Invite friends over to meet your pup. Include men, women, youngsters, oldsters, different ethnic backgrounds, etc.
->>Invite friendly, healthy, vaccinated dogs, puppies and even cats to your home to meet and play with your new Maltese Puppy. Take your Maltese Puppy to the homes of these pets, preferably with dog-friendly cats.
->>Carry your pup to shopping centers, parks, school playgrounds, etc; places where there are crowds of people and plenty of activity.
->>Take your Maltese Puppy for short, frequent rides in the car. Stop the car and let your Maltese Puppy watch the world go by through the window. Don't let your Maltese Puppy stick his head out of the window while you are driving. If one stone were to hit his eye this could cause serious damage!
->>Introduce your Maltese Puppy to umbrellas, bags, boxes, the vacuum cleaner, etc. Encourage your Maltese Puppy to explore and investigate his environment.
->>Get your Maltese Puppy accustomed to seeing different and unfamiliar objects by creating your own. Set a chair upside down. Lay the trash can (empty) on its side, set up the ironing board right-side up one day and upside down the next day.
->>Introduce your Maltese Puppy to new and various sounds. Loud, obnoxious sounds should be introduced from a distance and gradually brought closer.
->>Accustom your Maltese Puppy to being brushed, bathed, inspected, having its nails clipped, teeth and ears cleaned and all the routines of grooming and physical examination.
->>Introduce your Maltese Puppy to stairs, his own collar and leash. Introduce anything and everything you want your Maltese Puppy to be comfortable with and around.
Socialization Don'ts
->>does not put your Maltese Puppy on the ground where unknown animals have
access. This is where your Maltese Puppy can pick up diseases. Wait until your
Maltese Puppy's shots are completed. Do not let your pup socialize with dogs
that appear sick or dogs that you don't know, that may not be vaccinated.
->>Do not reward fearful behavior. In a well meaning attempt to sooth, encourage or calm the Maltese Puppy when it appears frightened, we often unintentionally reward the behavior. It's normal for the Maltese Puppy to show some signs of apprehension when confronting anything new and different.
->>Do not allow the experience to be harmful, painful or excessively frightening. This can cause lifetime phobias in your dog.
->>Do not force or rush your Maltese Puppy. Let your Maltese Puppy take things at his own pace. Your job is to provide the opportunity.
->>Do not do too much at one time. Young puppies need a lot of sleep and tire quickly. It is much more productive to have frequent and very brief exposures than occasional prolonged exposures.
>>DO NOT WAIT!! Every day that goes by is an opportunity of a lifetime that is lost forever. You can never get these days back. If Maltese Puppy socialization does not happen now, it never will.
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954-885-6622
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Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024
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Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.