How does socialisation relate to emotional wellbeing? 

Dog socialisation is the process of exposing a dog to unfamiliar situations, new experiences and ongoing routine activities with people, dogs and other animals in a positive manner. This is necessary for them to develop the social behaviour and skills needed to grow into a confident, happy, well-rounded pet. As a social species, it is also vital to satisfy their need for, and enjoyment of, regular social experiences. 

Just like humans, dogs need to be taught how to behave in an appropriate manner in various situations, environments and when interacting with people and other animals. The skills gained from socialising dogs serves as the basis for development into a well-adjusted, happy dog and is central to achieving optimal emotional wellbeing.  

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In this section...

you will find advice and guidance on how to support your dog to develop the self-assurance they need to live happy in the company of people and other animals.

The content has been broken down into the following section:

  1. How does socialisation relate to emotional wellbeing?
  2. Socialisation vs socialising: what's the difference?
  3. Important socialisation opportunities
  4. The importance of the sensitive period
  5. Seperation-related behaviour
  6. Why does separation-related behaviour occur?
  7. Top Tips for preventing sepataion-related behaviour
  8. Key messages
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How does socialisation relate to emotional wellbeing?

Socialisation is extremely important for puppies, especially during their ‘sensitive period’ or ‘socialisation window’ which is when they will lay the foundations for how they see the world. However, socialisation is not a process that stops after puppyhood, you should also remember that socialising older dogs is also very important. Dogs are a highly social species and must have regular opportunities for positive socialisation experiences to optimise their enjoyment of life and avoid behavioural problems developing later. Dogs who lack proper socialisation are more likely to display behaviour associated with emotions such as fear or anxiety1. 

Socialising your dog sufficiently will help them feel more relaxed, confident, happy and be able to enjoy a wider variety of experiences throughout their life. How well your dog is socialised can influence the bond you have with them, how you interact, the places you can t...

Socialisation is extremely important for puppies, especially during their ‘sensitive period’ or ‘socialisation window’ which is when they will lay the foundations for how they see the world. However, socialisation is not a process that stops after puppyhood, you should also remember that socialising older dogs is also very important. Dogs are a highly social species and must have regular opportunities for positive socialisation experiences to optimise their enjoyment of life and avoid behavioural problems developing later. Dogs who lack proper socialisation are more likely to display behaviour associated with emotions such as fear or anxiety1. 

Socialising your dog sufficiently will help them feel more relaxed, confident, happy and be able to enjoy a wider variety of experiences throughout their life. How well your dog is socialised can influence the bond you have with them, how you interact, the places you can take them and how much freedom you give them when out and about. A dog’s socialisation experience could even be the difference between them being settled in a particular home environment or needing to be rehomed.  

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Key Terminology

The learning process associated with habituation to a range of new experiences, interactions, and environments2,3.

Interactions with other animals and people, as part of the socialisation process.2   

The developmental phase when puppies are best-suited to being exposed to new experiences and interactions (typically from 3-12 weeks old).4  

Having a preference for novelty.  

Being afraid of novelty.

A basic, intense emotion aroused by the detection of imminent threat, involving an alarm reaction that mobilises the animal triggering a set of physiological changes.5 

A generalised response to an unknown threat or internal conflict, often in response to specific objects or situations and in the absence of true danger. This is in contrast to fear, which is focused on known external danger.6 

Any type of change that is perceived as a physical, emotional, or psychological threat or challenge. Small amounts of short-term stress may be desired, beneficial, and even healthy.7 

Encompasses psychological, social and emotional wellbeing.8 Part of mental health is how an animal’s mind processes information and experiences. In contrast, emotional health or wellbeing is based on how an animal feels and expresses the emotions that arise from that information and those experiences.  

Facilitating positive social interactions between other dogs and other species such as humans or other pets.9 This provides mental stimulation and allows dogs to express their natural social behaviour.9 See Introduction, Health, Nutrition, and Environment for more information about the other types of enrichment.

The signs of stress or distress that occur when a dog is separated from their owner or a bonded individual.13 This is also commonly referred to as separation-related anxiety. 

Socialisation vs socialising: what’s the difference?  

Socialisation encompasses the whole learning process associated with exposure in a positive manner to a range of new experiences and environments. Socialising your dog with other animals and people is only one part of the ‘socialisation’ process. Socialising is also sometimes referred to as ‘social enrichment’ (see Introduction for more information about the types of enrichment), and often involves habituation to new people, places and objects20. 

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Social Enrichment

Social enrichment for dogs refers to facilitating positive social interactions with other dogs and other species such as humans or other pets, to satisfy dogs’ natural social behaviour.9  This could be through meeting people or other dogs on a trip to a dog-friendly café or in the park, or simply cuddling on the sofa with your dog and the family cat.  

Social enrichment is one of many types of enrichment alongside Food (see Nutrition), Sensory (see Individuality), Environmental (see Environment) Physical and Occupational enrichment (see Health).  

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Positive experiences

Social enrichment should be considered just as essential for dog welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care and is a key ingredient for your dog’s emotional wellbeing.  

Exposing your dog in a positive way to a wide array of sights, sounds, scents, situations, people and other animals will lay a strong foundation for their development into a behaviourally healthy dog.3 It provides dogs with a framework to feel secure and happy. Ongoing positive socialisation experiences cement this and play a key role in your dog’s emotional wellbeing. More information on how best to socialise your dog can be found here.

Social enrichment should be considered just as essential for dog welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care and is a key ingredient for your dog’s emotional wellbeing.  

Exposing your dog in a positive way to a wide array of sights, sounds, scents, situations, people and other animals will lay a strong foundation for their development into a behaviourally healthy dog.3 It provides dogs with a framework to feel secure and happy. Ongoing positive socialisation experiences cement this and play a key role in your dog’s emotional wellbeing. More information on how best to socialise your dog can be found here.

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Important socialisation experiences include: 

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01

Meeting a wide variety of people, including children.

02

Normalising veterinary clinics, routine handling (including sensitive areas) and healthcare procedures (e.g. ear cleaning and toothbrushing). More information here and here.

03

Meeting other animals including dogs, cats, horses and livestock .

04

Experiencing different environments your dog is likely to encounter such as parks, busy streets, pedestrian crossings – as well as car travel.

05

Walking on a range of surfaces like slippery floors, gravel, wet grass or stairs .

06

Hearing a range of noises commonly encountered in and outside the home like cars, the washing machine, hairdryer, vacuum cleaner etc. 

07

Getting used to equipment and behavioural aids such as collars, leads, harnesses, crates, seatbelts, coats and wearing a muzzle. 

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The importance of the sensitive period

The first few months of life are particularly important for socialisation.  

There is a distinct phase that represents a ‘sensitive period’ during which time puppies are best suited with learning to enjoy the company of people, other animals and new experiences. You might also have heard of this referred to as the ‘socialisation window’.

Your Guide To The Sensitive Period & The Socialisation Window 

What’s included? 
•   How long is the sensitive period or socialisation window? 
•   “What happens if I adopt an older dog?” 
•   TOP TIPS: ‘Setting up for socialisation success’ 
•   Our favourite dog training methods  
•   How to read your dog’s body language in social situations 
•   Improving socialisation with people, 
•   Improving interactions with children  
•   Socialisation with other household pets 
•   Understand dog-dog interactions and doggy play

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Guide: The sensitive period

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Guide: Socialising your dog with other dogs

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Guide: Training your dog

Separation-related behaviour 

Separation-related behaviour refers to the signs of distress that occur when a dog is separated from their owner or attachment figure, or even another pet. It’s reported that up to nearly 30% of dogs exhibit separation-related behaviours. These figures are likely underestimated, as the behaviour occurs only when the owner is absent11 

This is significant as separation anxiety in dogs can be extremely distressing for you and your dog, and can negatively impact how much enjoyment your dog gets out of life.

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Distressing physical & mental impacts

Dogs with separation anxiety will often damage doors or other barriers to try to get to their owner when left home alone. These associated behaviours can also have a detrimental physical and mental health impact on your dog.  What’s more, a dog with separation-related problems is more likely to suffer if they need to be hospitalised at the veterinary clinic or placed in boarding kennels.      

Witnessing your dog’s distress, combined with regular damage to your home or fear of leaving your dog alone can also put a strain on you and your dog's relationship.

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What are the signs of separation-related behaviour?

The most commonly reported signs of extreme separation-related behaviour are:12 

  • Urination or defecation inside the house 
  • Excessive vocalisation (barking, howling) 
  • Destructive behaviour (digging, chewing or destroying objects, furniture, etc.) 

Other signs of separation anxiety could be difficult to spot, especially as they can’t be observed if you’re not home with your dog. These include: 

  • Drooling 
  • Whining  
  • Restlessness  
  • Pacing  
  • Panting 
  • Freezing 
  • Withdrawal or hiding 

Why does separation-related behaviour occur? 

When a dog is separated from a bonded individual, it is not uncommon for them to exhibit some degree of distress. The degree of distress is partly dependent on the degree of attachment to the person or animal that is absent. There are multiple reasons why separation-related behaviour may develop.

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Potential Causes

Selectively breeding from dogs who require ongoing human contact 

Inadequate conditioning/training to being left at home alone  

Inadequate home environment to be left in (see Environment)  

Top tips for preventing separation-related behaviour: 

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01

Provide a comfortable safe space for your pet (this will not be enough for a dog already coping badly with being alone).

02

Add their favourite toys and bedding.

03

Setting up a camera allows you to observe your dog’s behaviour when you leave.

04

Feed meals in the “safe space” or provide enriched-feeding activities (see Nutrition), such as food puzzle toys or chews.

05

Make sure your dog has had the opportunity to exercise, urinate and defecate before you leave.

06

Gradually build up the time you leave your pet alone.

07

Use a dog-walker, pet-sitter or doggy daycare that you trust so your dog is not left for too long.

08

Remain neutral when you return home and don’t make a fuss.

Finding a solution

Extreme separation-related behaviours may require veterinary intervention and the prescription of anti-anxiety medication. Seek a qualified veterinary behaviourist who can assist. 

A dog with separation anxiety may find comfort in the companionship of a second dog. However, if your dog’s distress continues it can also influence the behaviour of your new dog, which could lead to double trouble.  

Generally, the best approach for dogs who are already displaying signs of distress when left alone, is to enlist the help of a qualified behaviourist and undertake a systematic desensitisation programme to help your dog feel more relaxed in your absence. 

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Key points 

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…and in order to live happy in a human world, it is important that they are socialised appropriately within it. This will help ensure your dog is confident in a variety of situations and able to enjoy all of life’s experiences.

…especially during their ‘sensitive period’ or ‘socialisation window’ between three to 12 weeks which is when they will lay the foundations for how they see the world. However, all dogs need regular opportunities for positive socialisation experiences which continue throughout their lifetime.

…Socialisation should involve positive exposure to a wide variety of social situations (people, dogs and other animals), environments (busy streets, parks, the car, etc.), and experiences (sounds, sights, handling, etc.)  

are a key component of socialisation. These can be highly rewarding and provide a source of mental and physical stimulation for your dog, as well as reducing fear, stress and anxiety. However, it’s important that these interactions are safe, carefully controlled, and respectful of your dog’s individual preferences. 

Being able to interpret your dog’s body language and respond appropriately is key. Forcing your dog to experience a social situation when they are afraid or uncomfortable can have negative long-term consequences on their mental health and emotional wellbeing, often manifesting as problematic behaviour. 

…or overly attached to a human or another pet. Enlisting the help of a qualified animal behaviourist will help your pet feel more comfortable when they are left alone. 

 

 References

 

  1. Hakanen, E, Mikkola, S, Salonen, M, et al. 2020, Active and social life is associated with low fearfulness in pet dogs, Scientific Reports, Vol 10 Article no: 1377
  2. The Kennel Club, 2021, What is puppy socialisation, Available at: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/caring-for-your-new-puppy/what-is-puppy-socialisation/, Accessed: 31 December 2021
  3. Howell, TJ, King, T, & Bennett, PC, 2015, Puppy parties and beyond; the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Vet Med (Auckl), Vol 6, pp. 143-153
  4. Todd, Z, 2017, The Sensitive Period for Socialization in Puppies and Kittens, Available at: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/07/the-sensitive-period-for-socialization.html, Accessed: 31 December 2021
  5. Saskatchewan Science Centre, 2020, The Science Of Fear, Available at: https://www.sasksciencecentre.com/real-science-real-fun/science-of-fear, Accessed 04 January 2022 
  6. Steimer, T, 2002, The biology of fear- and anxiety-related behaviors, Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, Vol 4(3), pp. 231-249    
  7.   Scott, E, 2020, What Is Stress?, Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-health-3145086, Accessed 04 January 2022 
  8. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2020, What Is Mental Health?, Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health, Accessed 31 December 2021 
  9. Ohio State University, What is environmental enrichment?, Available at: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/dogs/environmental_enrichment_dogs, Accessed 31 December 2021
  10. Vaterlaws-Whiteside, H., & Hartmann, A. (2017). Improving puppy behavior using a new standardized socialization program. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 197, 55–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2017.08.003
  11. Blackwell, EJ, Casey, RA & Bradshaw, JWS, 2016, Efficacy of written behavioral advice for separation-related behavior problems in dogs newly adopted from a rehoming center, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Vol 12, pp. 13-19
  12. Dale, S, Neilson, JC, Herron, ME, et al., 2014, Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal how to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones, 1st Edition, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: New York, pp. 237-260
  13. Santos, NR, Beck, A, & Fontbonne, A, 2019, A review of maternal behaviour in dogs and potential areas for further research, JSAP, doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13085, Accessed 31 December 2021
  14. McMillan, F.D., 2017, Behavioral and psychological outcomes for dogs sold as puppies through pet stores and/or born in commercial breeding establishments: Current knowledge and putative causes, Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, Vol 19, 14-26.
  15. Larson, G, Karlsson, EK, Perri, A, et al., 2012, Rethinking dog domestication by integrating genetics, archaeology and biogeography, PNAS, Vol 109(23), pp. 8878-8883
  16. Tuber, DS, Sanders, S, Hennessy, MB, & Miller, JA, 1996, Behavioral and Glucocorticiod Responses of Adult Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) to Companionship and Social Separation, Journal of Comparative Psychology, Vol 110(1), pp. 103-108
  17. Solomon J, Beetz A, Schöberl I, Gee N, et al., 2019, Attachment security in companion dogs: adaptation of Ainsworth's strange situation and classification procedures to dogs and their human caregivers, Attachment and Human Development, 21, 389-417.
  18. Marshall-Pescini, S, Franka, SS, Gaugg A, et al., 2019, The Role of Oxytocin in the Dog-Owner Relationship, Animals (Basel), Vol 9 (10): 792
  19. Jakeman, M, Oxley JA, Owczarczak-Garstecka, SC, & Westgarth, W, 2020, Pet dog bites in children: management and prevention, BMJ Paediatrics Open, 4:e000726, doi:10.1136/ bmjpo-2020-000726, Accessed: 07 February 2022 
  20. Nelly N. Lakestani, Morag L. Donaldson & Natalie Waran (2014) Interpretation of Dog Behavior by Children and Young Adults, Anthrozoös, 27:1, 65-80, DOI: 10.2752/175303714X13837396326413
  21. Sommerville, R, O’Connor, EA, & Asher, L, 2017, Why do dogs play? Function and welfare implications of play in the domestic dog, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol 197, pp. 1-8