Early Puppy Socialisation

En este artículo, exploraremos en detalle qué es la socialización temprana, por qué es tan importante para los cachorros, y cómo RAJ Canin FCI, as a registered kennel in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), implements these practices to breed dogs with the best temperament and ability to adapt to the needs of their owners, whether as working dogs or as companions in the home.

1. What is Early Socialisation in Puppies?

La socialización temprana se refiere al proceso mediante el cual los cachorros son expuestos de manera gradual y controlada a diferentes estímulos, ambientes, personas y otros animales durante las primeras etapas de su vida, generalmente antes de las 12 semanas de edad. Este período es crucial porque durante este tiempo los cachorros son más receptivos a nuevas experiencias, y lo que aprenden en esta fase afectará su comportamiento durante el resto de sus vidas.

The Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE), member of the FCI, recommends that responsible breeders work intensively on socialisation from the earliest weeks to ensure that dogs grow up as confident, balanced animals, able to cope with different situations without fear or aggression.

2. The Importance of Early Socialisation

Una correcta socialización durante los primeros meses de vida tiene un impacto directo en la actitud y comportamiento del perro a lo largo de su vida. Sin una socialización adecuada, los cachorros pueden desarrollar problemas de comportamiento como agresividad, ansiedad, miedo, y dificultades para interactuar con otros perros o personas. En contraste, los perros que reciben una buena socialización tienden a ser más seguros, adaptables y tranquilos.

La socialización temprana también es fundamental para los perros de caza y trabajo, ya que necesitan estar expuestos a situaciones específicas que les permitan desarrollar habilidades necesarias para desempeñarse correctamente en el campo o en tareas especializadas. Criadores como RAJ Canin FCI ensure that the puppies have the right behavioural basis to become competent hunting dogs and, at the same time, excellent companions in the household.

3. Key Stages of Early Socialisation

Early socialisation of puppies is divided into several stages from birth to the first months of life. Each of these stages is of key importance for the development of their behaviour.

a) Neonatal (0 to 2 weeks)

During this phase, puppies are completely dependent on their mother and the breeder for their survival. Although their eyes and ears are not yet fully developed, it is crucial that they receive gentle handling and human contact from an early age. RAJ Canin FCI ensures that puppies have regular human contact during this stage to foster an early and positive relationship with people.

b) Transition (2 to 4 weeks)

The puppies begin to open their eyes and develop their senses. At this stage, the breeder introduces new sounds and smells into the puppies' environment. RAJ Canin FCI introduce stimuli such as soft everyday sounds (hoovers, music, doors) so that puppies become accustomed to a domestic environment and do not develop a fear of everyday noises.

c) Primary Socialisation (4 to 8 weeks)

This is the most important phase for socialisation. Puppies begin to actively explore their environment and interact with their siblings and other dogs. At RAJ Canin FCI, puppies are exposed to different surfaces, louder sounds, and are allowed to play with other dogs under supervision. In addition, regular contact with different people is introduced so that they learn to relate properly to humans.

d) Secondary Socialisation (8 to 12 weeks)

At this stage, puppies are ready to be introduced to new environments outside the kennel. At RAJ Canin FCI, controlled outings are organised to open spaces where puppies can interact with more people, other animals and new environments, fostering confidence in the outdoors.

4. RAJ Canin FCI and its Focus on Early Socialisation

RAJ Canin FCI is a kennel committed to best practice in early socialisation, following the guidelines established by the RSCE and the FCI. Their aim is to breed puppies that not only have a good temperament, but are also versatile dogs, capable of playing roles both on the hunt and in the family home.

a) Preparation for Hunting Dogs

As a kennel specialising in hunting breeds, RAJ Canin FCI understands that these dogs must be exposed to specific situations from puppyhood to develop working and obedience skills in the field. For example, puppies are gradually introduced to hunting-related sounds and environments, such as long-range gunfire and open fields, so that they learn not to be frightened by these stimuli.

In addition, interaction with other working dogs is vital to foster teamwork and discipline. RAJ Canin FCI organises activities where puppies interact with adult dogs that are already hunting companions, learning from their behaviour and skills.

b) Socialisation for Family Life

Not all puppies of RAJ Canin FCI are intended for hunting, some will be family pets. Therefore, the kennel focuses on socialisation to prepare the puppies for life in a domestic environment. From the first month of life, puppies are introduced to children, adults, and other domestic animals such as cats, allowing them to develop social skills and behave in a friendly and balanced manner in different contexts.

Patience and control during handling are aspects that are taught during the socialisation process in order for dogs to be calm and gentle in everyday situations, such as during grooming or veterinary visits.

5. Benefits of Early Socialisation for the Future of the Puppy

Puppies that undergo proper early socialisation show a wealth of long-term benefits:

• Increased security and confidence: Un perro que ha sido bien socializado es menos propenso a desarrollar miedos irracionales o fobias.
• Better relationship with humans and other dogs: Dogs that have been exposed to different people and animals tend to be friendlier and more trusting.
• Adaptability to new environments: Puppies that have been socialised early show a greater ability to adapt to new situations, which is essential for both hunting dogs and pets.
• Ease of training: Dogs that do not show fear or stress due to poor socialisation are much more receptive to training, which facilitates their education for both hunting and family life.

6. Ongoing Support: RAJ Canin FCI Commitment

The commitment of RAJ Canin FCI con la socialización y el bienestar de sus cachorros no termina cuando los cachorros son entregados a sus nuevos hogares. Este criadero mantiene un contacto constante con los nuevos propietarios, brindando asesoramiento sobre el proceso continuo de socialización en el hogar, la adaptación a su nuevo entorno y cómo seguir fomentando el desarrollo del cachorro.

RAJ Canin FCI also makes sure to provide new owners with a comprehensive socialisation guide, covering key aspects such as exposure to new experiences, obedience training, and how to deal with stressful situations to ensure that puppies remain balanced and confident dogs.

Conclusion

La socialización temprana es un proceso crítico para el desarrollo de cualquier cachorro, y es especialmente importante para aquellos destinados a ser perros de caza o compañeros de familia. Criadores responsables como RAJ Canin FCI not only focus on breeding healthy, pedigree puppies, but also invest time and resources in ensuring that each puppy is properly socialised to meet the expectations of its future owners.

Through a combination of early socialisation practices and an ethical approach to parenting, RAJ Canin FCI se ha consolidado como un referente en la cría de perros equilibrados, seguros y versátiles, listos para ser grandes compañeros, ya sea en el campo o en el hogar.