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SOCIALIZING IS A MUST!!

Dogs are social animals, and Bostons are one of the most social of dog breeds. However, any dog can become fearful or aggressive if not properly socialized. Once bad habits begin, they are very difficult to break. Socializing involves much more than simply meeting new people and animals. Other things such as sights and sounds play a role, as well. Your puppy’s most impressionable age begins the moment you take him/her home and continues well into six months of age. During this time, it is important that you expose him/her to different sights and sounds AND that you react appropriately to them. Your puppy will determine from you, his/her pack leader, which things are ok and which things are not. Therefore, it is extremely important that you not encourage poor reactions which will lead to poor behavior. Instead, encourage your puppy to safely investigate anything new, building his/her confidence as you go.

The following are a few things to try to get you and your puppy off to a good start.

Meeting New People

Your family and friends are likely to want to visit your new puppy. This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize. When a visitor comes to see your new puppy, encourage your puppy to greet the new person by sniffing them and accepting petting and treats. All of this should

be done with your puppy on the floor, not while being held by

you. If your puppy begins to shake nervously, holding and

petting your puppy and telling him/her “it’s ok” will simply tell

your puppy that it is ok for him/her to be scared when he/she

meets a new person. Instead, allow him/her to walk up to the

new person and then receive pets and treats from the new

person. This encourages your puppy to greet new people

rather than to be afraid of them. If your puppy is reluctant

to go to that new person, continue your greeting with your

guest and try to act as normal and comfortable as possible. Give your puppy the opportunity to see that you are comfortable with the new person in your home and your puppy will then follow your lead.

New Noises

Make different noises periodically with your puppy present such as dropping a food bowl on the floor, clapping your hands, sounding a horn, or ringing the doorbell. Your puppy should look in the direction of the noise and may even give out a single bark. These are perfectly acceptable reactions. However, barking excessively,

shaking, running and/or hiding in a corner, etc.

are not acceptable. If your puppy does any of

these things, do not acknowledge it. Instead,

repeat the noise over and over until your

puppy becomes so accustomed to it that he/she

pays no attention to it anymore. Do this as

often as it takes for him/her to respond with a

more inquisitive, not fearful action. Ideally,

you want your puppy to investigate the source

of the noise and then walk away. A key ingredient

in training your puppy in this way is your demeanor.