Puppy and Kitten Socialization

What is Socialization?

Socialization refers to the process of introducing puppies and kittens to a variety of animals, people, unfamiliar objects, and sounds to help them adapt. For dogs, the critical socialization period is between 3 to 14 weeks of age (around 3.5 months), while for cats, it is between 2 to 9 weeks of age. Experiences during this time significantly impact their future behavior and personality.

During the socialization period, puppies and kittens first learn communication skills through interactions with their mother and siblings. Later, they should be exposed to different experiences with new owners to enhance their adaptability to human environments. During this period, it is beneficial for puppies and kittens to experience various environments such as noise, people, other animals, and places outside the home. Additionally, introducing them to future activities like bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, eye drops, and brushing will be advantageous.

As developmental rates vary, avoid overwhelming experiences and progress through socialization training gradually. If your pet seems frightened, do not force the experience, and use positive reinforcement such as treats, play, or affection.

Getting Used to Handling

Learning to be touched all over helps with health checks, care, and building trust.

  1. Create a calm environment by avoiding exciting times or places. If they are too excited, let them play to expend energy before starting.
  2. Gradually check their body once they are calm.
  3. Start by gently speaking in a calm voice and petting comforting areas, such as ears, chin, and neck. Gradually extend to less comfortable areas like the back, belly, mouth, legs, and tail.
  4. If they resist, touch them gently while offering rewards.
  5. Always give a reward after successful touch sessions.

Getting Used to Sounds and People

Common issues include barking at doorbells or delivery people, or fearfulness in cats. Familiarize your puppy or kitten with these sounds early.

  1. Record and play doorbell sound repeatedly to show that nothing happens afterward.
  2. For dogs, use commands like “Wait” or “House” when the doorbell rings and reward them for compliance. As they become accustomed, reward them even when they don’t bark.
  3. Introduce new people by allowing your pet to sniff them and give treats as they get comfortable.

Brushing Practice

Puppies and kittens start getting baby teeth around 3 weeks old, with permanent teeth coming in between 4 to 6 months and fully developing by 7 months to 1 year. Start brushing early to establish a routine.

Dental issues, mostly periodontal disease, are common. Preventing these issues requires regular brushing. Many dogs and cats resist to have toothbrush in their mouth. If you try to brush their teeth forcefully, they may start to dislike having their mouth touched altogether. Instead, practice gradually and patiently. Aim to brush at least every 3 days, ideally daily.

Brushing Practice

Brushing Practice Steps

  1. Start with gentle contact around the ears, chin, and neck. Once relaxed, gradually touch the mouth and make sure not to scare. Pet them with the opposite hand while you handle their mouth to help them feel more at ease.
  2. Reward them for letting you touch their mouth. Sudden touches to the mouth can cause fear and lead to reflexive biting. Stop if they show fear and try again later.
  3. Once they are comfortable with their mouth being touched, start gently touching their teeth as well. Start by gently lifting the lips and lightly touching the teeth. As they get used to it, gradually move to tracing their teeth with your finger.
  4. Introduce a tasty toothpaste on your finger and let them lick it, creating positive associations.
  5. Gradually use your finger to brush teeth, starting with short sessions and extending as they get used to it.
  6. Move to brushing with gauze or dental wipes before using a toothbrush. Let’s aim to achieve at least this much.
  7. Once they are comfortable with gauze or dental wipes, try using a toothbrush.

※Be cautious to prevent gauze or wipes from being accidentally swallowed.
※Use a toothbrush that is appropriately sized for your pet’s teeth.

To help your pet get used to brushing, it is important to progress gradually to avoid resistance. There is no need to rush; for example, spend one week on step 1 and another week on step 2, gradually easing them into the routine.

Our clinic also offers individual brushing lessons. Please feel free to consult with us.

Tooth Brushing Lessons

Ear and Eye Drop Training

Once your pet is comfortable with being their face touched, practice administering ear and eye drops. Since the cold medication can startle them, warm it by holding it in your hand until it reaches body temperature. Apply the medication from the side rather than the front to avoid frightening them; have them sit facing away from you during the process.

Ear Drops

  1. Gently pull up on the ear to straighten the ear canal. Because dogs’ and cats’ ear canals are L-shaped, lifting the ear slightly straightens the canal, making it easier for the medication to enter.
  2. Administer the ear drops along the ear canal. To prevent the medication from being expelled, ensure they do not shake their head immediately after application.
  3. Massage the base of the ear gently to distribute the medication.
Ear Drops

Eye Drops

  1. Hold the chin up gently with one hand.
  2. Use the other hand to stabilize and apply the drops from the side, not directly from the front.
Eye Drops

Use treats to ensure your pet doesn’t develop a negative association with these procedures.

Lastly

We are here to help make life with your beloved family member more enjoyable and fulfilling. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns about daily care or training. We also offer puppy classes. For more information, please call us.

Puppy Classes