Did you know that behavior problems are one of the most common reasons owners give for surrendering, abandoning, or even euthanizing their pets? Sadly, the majority of these pets are still under 2 years of age. Most of the behavior problems sited by pet owners are actually very normal puppy behaviors- things like jumping, barking, digging, and chewing. When puppies are very young and very cute, they tend to get an “Any Behavior is OK” card. Bad behaviors at this age tend to seem relatively small or even charming or amusing. But as the puppy gets older and bigger, these behaviors are no longer as cute as before and now are very difficult to change. The best time to establish the rules and to teach good manners is between 3 and 12 weeks of age. We call this the “golden window” of socialization because this is a special stage of brain development when puppies are very impressionable and can learn limits, boundaries, and structure very quickly with positive teaching methods and gentle handling. This is also the best time to teach appropriate behaviors because it is much easier to teach what you want than to change what you don’t want.
At Farrell Animal Hospital, we recognize that the relationship between veterinarian, owner, and pet is vitally important. We also know that all puppies learn differently. That’s why we use your puppy’s initial visits as an opportunity to help you teach your puppies how to behave when they’re handled throughout their lives. Puppies learn how to be handled, have their nails trimmed, take medication, have their mouths opened, and have their ears examined and medicated. We try to really get involved in the behavioral socialization and development of your puppy so everyone will benefit:the puppy, the family, and the veterinary team.
At Farrell Animal Hospital, we see hundreds of puppies a year. The majority of these puppies will grow up to be good citizens with only very basic training, but some will need special care and attention to reach that goal. In these special cases we offer in-house intense socialization sessions for our young patients. Owners are invited to bring their puppies in to stay at the clinic for half a day at a time, several days a week, until the puppy has learned how to react to his environment appropriately. Most puppies, even those with behavior problems, aren’t trying to take over the world. Their behavior isn’t usually about dominance; it’s just about them discovering and accepting the boundaries and rules of their new environment.