Socialization
What it is. - and - What it isn’t.
so·cial·i·za·tion sōSHələˈzāSH(ə)n
noun
the activity of mixing socially with others.
"socialization with students has helped her communication skills"
the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.
"preschool starts the process of socialization"
I have heard the term, “socialization” thrown about rather carelessly in regard to canine behavior in recent years. Partly, due to its misuse by people relatively new to dog training and, partly, to the relatively new use of the term as it relates to canine training. Let’s put the whole thing to rest, shall we?
What is Socialization?
Let’s refer back to the last example in the dictionary-defined proper usage of the term, “Socialization” - "preschool starts the process of socialization". Does that imply that youngsters are beginning to become familiar with a room filled with tables and chairs? No, of course not! The implication there is that children are learning to deal with other children and teachers.
This is true of young dogs, as well. A pup that is properly socialized will develop composure in situations that involve other creatures such as dogs and humans. This dog doesn’t suffer from stranger anxiety and develops a sense that they have never met a dog (or person) they didn’t like. Universally welcomed, they can often trace their beginnings back to their interactions among littermates and the people they encountered. Later, by being subjected to multiple positive situations and experiences that involve friendly dogs and people, they should develop into a well-socialized adult dog.
There are several ways to develop socially confident dogs. In urban environments, young dogs are often taken to dog parks and walks through variously populated surroundings. In these situations I would suggest making sure that your pup is up-to-date on its vaccines because you cannot control the care the other dogs are receiving. Another consideration is limit the number of dogs being introduced to your pup by going to dog parks during off-hours. Keep your pup leashed and remove them from annoying (barking or aggrssive) dog behavior. All to prevent the pup from learning bad behavior or becoming overwhelmed and intimidated by the conditions.
I like introducing pups to other dogs in larger venues such as training fields. Having so much fun being distracted by so many sounds, sights, and smells tends to make the introduction a positive experience. Avoid contentious situations brought on by items such as food and females in heat. Of course, let’s not forget that your daily involvement with your pup is the most critical social interaction.
What it Isn’t.
The term “Socialization” as it relates to canines, its origins and how it became so misunderstood, is a bit of a mystery to me. I mean, what other term could be applied? Its origins seem to stem from a rooted relational concept that dogs and humans are equals in a manner of thinking. Terms normally used to describe human behavior and psychology have spilled into canine training and interaction. Whether that is preferrable or not is a matter of philosophy - a camp in which I do not wish to pitch a tent.
As is generally the case, how the use of the term became so broad is probably a combination of several things. The major culprits are likely folks that have heard (or read) the term and, in an effort to project a semblance of knowledge, misapply it about like sowing seeds of wisdom.
Perhaps, another cause can be the allowed misuse by the profession. Trainers or behavioralists may overlook the mistaken usage of the term in an effort to address a separate issue being discussed at the time. Without polite correction, the client, student, or interviewer is left with a mistaken definition that is unwittingly spread in various forms. Of course, the best tool to proliferate misinformation is the tool that anyone can use. Who knows, maybe you’re using it - right now?!
Puppies and kids make the world go ‘round.
Misinterpretation is often displayed when the use of the term is broadened to include environmental interaction. By definition, socialization is not introducing your dog to fields or fire hydrants. The dog becoming accustom to its surroundings is not learning socialization unless it involves other dogs and/or people.
Proper Usage:
By simply using a basic dictionary we see, as the term is defined in regard to humans, socialization is the interaction between people that brings about behavioral advancement as it pertains to accepted social norms. As the matter involves dogs, it can simply be stated, “Advancing a dog’s behavioral interactions between people and other dogs”. Of course, if you are someone that doesn’t believe in societal norms, then canine socialization, to be true to your misguided world-view, does not exist.
A life example might be the simultaneous introduction to a new dog and a strange environment such as a backyard. The interaction with the new dog is a social experience, dealing with new surroundings in the yard is a form of adaptation or familiarization. This is an important distinction. Basically, if you realize the separation, you understand the stress differential the subject dog is experiencing and can deal with the issues separately and appropriately.
A comically exaggerated analogy here might be an effort to socialize a dog with a porpoise in its aquatic environment. Both creatures are very social, to be sure, but the dog’s concern for keeping its head above water will far outweigh any effort in becoming acquainted with Flipper.
“Socialization” is the interaction between creatures that display social behavior - not inanimate objects.
Another life example, similar to the “new yard and new dog” analogy, might be a situational comparison involving humans. This is illustrated in the photo, above. The female and her litter needed to adapt to the, newly introduced, large box. They are making important headway in the acceptance of new surroundings.
All the while, puppies are developing on-going socialization processes and behaviors amongst themselves and their mother. Additional, on-going, socialization efforts will include their human counterparts, such as the excited youngster that had decided to join them.
By developing and using proper definitions we can communicate more clearly and apply what we learn more effectively; all on our way to becoming appropriately “socialized”!
- Enjoy Your Dog!
