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SOCIALIZATION FOR TEACUP PUPPIES
Socialization for Teacup
Puppies and dogs is very
important. Teacup Puppies and
juvenile dogs that are not
provided enough socialization in
early years can develop high
levels of aggression towards
other dogs, other pets and even
people. Other puppies that are
not properly socialized may
become very timid and easily
frightened, which also can lead
to aggression if these puppies
feel cornered or trapped.
Birth to three months
Puppies and Teacup Puppies
actually learn their first
socialization lessons from the
first day that they are born.
They learn to communicate to
their mother and littermates
through vocalization and
physical contact and come to
find comfort in being with and a
part of the litter. This is very
important especially before the
tiny puppies open their eyes and
are able to move about a bit
better.
After approximately three weeks
the Teacup puppies are more
active and playful and
interested in exploring. They
don't go far without the rest of
their pack and they learn that
they can be secure in their
environment. The puppy becomes
more confident and is more
likely to venture out on his or
her own, but never very far from
the mother and littermates.
As the Teacup puppy matures up
to about 12-14 weeks of age they
are really learning about
socialization principles.
Through playing with the other
puppies they are learning bite
inhibition, how to communicate
and how to understand what the
pack hierarchy is. They learn
how to interact with the other
puppies as well as the other
dogs they are exposed too.
These Teacup puppies learn that
they are safe and secure and
start to gain their own
confidence and understanding of
the world. When puppies are
removed from their litter and
mother too soon they become
either aggressive or timid in
their attempts to figure out
their place in the family.
Puppies that are taken away from
the litter before eight weeks
are typically very difficult to
train and may have separation
anxiety problems as they mature.
It is very important for
socialization opportunities that
are safe and controlled to
continually occur for the puppy
and for young dogs. It is
absolutely critical that puppies
not be overly stressed or
fearful during the socialization
stage as this can impact their
future development. Owners can
help to effectively socialize
puppies and dogs by:
Taking them into different environments under safe conditions. For
example walking in the front
yard instead of the backyard
once the puppy or dog is
comfortable on a leash.
Introducing the new people to friends and family members when they come
to visit rather than putting the
Teacup Puppy in a separate room
or area of the house.
Allowing the Teacup puppy to meet other, friendly, well-trained dogs and
puppies. Only do this after the
puppy has completed the full set
of puppy vaccinations.
Take the puppy to the park, walk them at different times of the day so
they see different people, and
experience traffic once they are
leash trained.
Allow the Teacup puppy to stop and sniff and investigate new things.
Encourage them to learn about
their environment and understand
that new things, objects, pets
and people are not a threat.
Take socialization slowly, start small and quiet and work towards large
and noisy. A quiet street is a
great start but walking along a
major traffic area is likely to
be far too intimidating for a
puppy until they are more
comfortable with passing
traffic.
Consider a puppy or dog obedience class as a way to combine
socialization with learning in a
controlled and safe environment.
If you can't take your Teacup
puppy or dog to a class there
are some ways to encourage
socialization right in your own
area. Try taking the pupy with
you at least one walk a week to
somewhere you have never gone
before. If the dog or puppy is
very nervous or timid or even
aggressive, start with quiet
areas such as walking paths or
even a hike in the country. As
the puppy or dog becomes more
confident, start moving to a
more busy area such as a city
street or even a public park
that allows dogs. At this time
it is important to keep the dog
or puppy on a leash to prevent
them from becoming nervous or
frightened and running off. If
the puppy starts to try to turn
and run, go to it and provide
comfort. As soon as the puppy is
calm repeat the exercise or
encourage the puppy to look
around. Do not take the puppy
immediately out of the area or
away from the situation. This
will simply reinforce that being
timid or aggressive gets him or
her out of the socialization
training, which is opposite of
what you are trying to do.
Remember that socialization is a
gradual process and all puppies
will be somewhat scared of new
things. Take your new Teacup
puppy with you whenever possible
and let him or her get to
experience all kinds of new
smells, sights and sounds.
Introduce your puppy to cats,
birds, and other pets. Cats that
are familiar with dogs are
usually pretty accepting of
puppies, however it is important
to very closely supervise this
interaction. If you don't have a
dog friendly cat in your home,
ask around and see if a
neighbor, friend or co-worker
may have a cat you could allow
you puppy to socialize with. If
you live in the country don't
forget to let them learn about
sheep, cattle, horses or other
livestock in the area. Puppies
that are well socialized are
less likely to become problems
with chasing livestock, a big
consideration if you live in the
country.
Finally, don't forget about
kids. If you don't have children
in your house be sure to find a
friend or family member that has
dog-friendly kids and let your
puppy spend some time
socializing with children that
are experienced with dogs and
Teacup puppies.
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