Socialisation / How to socialise a Chihuahua puppy

In this episode we discuss the socialisation period, what it is and what it isn't, what to do and what not to do.   J.P Scott and Fuller conducted extensive research in  over a period of 14 years on generations of 6 breeds of dog; Basenjis, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs and Fox Terriers and their crossbreeds.  J.P. Scott & Fuller were the first to discover what they termed as the critical period for socialisation in 1957. Now more commonly referred to as the sensitive period for socialisation; the knowledge that Scott and Fuller gave the world is that all puppies have a well-defined neonatal, a transitional and a critical (or sensitive) period, and what happens to them during these periods shapes what kinds of dogs they grow up to be. A more recent study in 2015 by Mary Morrow et al., looked at a total of 98 purebred puppies representing 3 breeds, namely Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, and German shepherds. The results of this study support the hypothesis that emotional and behavioural development, as well as the onset of fear-related avoidance behaviour, varies among breeds of domestic dogs. Follow us on Facebook! Links: Puppy Culture UK Doggie Language Book