As author Kim Campbell Thornton begins this Simple Solutions guide, ‘Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but they don’t come ready-made to take on this role.’ Socialization unlocks the key to the human-dog bond and explains how well-mannered, well-adjusted dogs are made (not born). A term used by canine behaviorists and trainers, socialization is a fancy five-syllable word for ‘getting friendly, ‘ which doesn’t come naturally to all dogs. This handy little book begins with a discussion of puppy life stages, showing how puppies developmentally mature and what their ever-changing needs are. New puppy buyers must be aware of the importance of the breeder’s role in socializing a litter of puppies, a critical process of introducing each pup to people, other dogs, and common everyday noises, during its critical developmental stages. Puppies raised without socialization (typically in a commercial breeding establishment, sometimes called a puppy mill) have a decided disadvantage and may never develop into normal, well-adjusted dogs. The book gives the new dog owner advice about planning social outings for the puppy so that he has ‘People to Meet, Places to Go, ‘ ever expanding his social graces and comfort level with strangers and the not-so-scary-after-all unknown. The author also provides excellent guidance on introducing a dog to a new baby as well as introducing an adopted dog into an established multipet household.
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Buck Jones's humorous illustrations have appeared in numerous books and magazines including Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy. He lives in Des Moines, IA.