Dogs are social animals by nature. They thrive on interaction, not just with humans but also with other dogs and their environment. Regular socialisation plays a vital role in a dog's overall well-being, behaviour, and ability to cope with different situations. When dogs are deprived of socialisation, the effects can be profound, potentially leading to long-term behavioural and emotional issues.
What Happens When Dogs Are Deprived of Socialisation?
Studies have shown that depriving dogs of social experiences can lead to serious behavioural problems. For example, a study by Fox (1967) found that puppies kept in isolation for as little as one week developed heightened sensitivity to stimuli and often reacted impulsively, without processing their surroundings. The longer the social deprivation, the more severe the behavioural anomalies observed, such as extreme fear, avoidance, and hyperarousal. In some cases, these issues can become permanent.
These findings are not just limited to dogs. Recent studies on humans during the COVID-19 pandemic found that a lack of socialisation can cause long-term effects, such as extreme tiredness, lack of energy, and disruptions in social behaviour and energy regulation (Sartorius and Quintana, 2023).
Why Early Socialisation Matters
Dogs go through a critical learning period between 4 and 12 weeks of age, during which their nervous system is developing the ability to filter and respond appropriately to various stimuli. This stage is crucial for helping them learn how to interact with their environment and those around them. If dogs are deprived of social experiences during this window, they can develop a condition known as social deprivation syndrome (Dietz et al., 2018).
This syndrome often occurs when puppies are removed from their mothers and littermates too early or have minimal contact with humans during this critical period. The effects of social deprivation can manifest as:
Fear and Avoidance: Dogs may become overly fearful of everyday stimuli, such as cars, people, or other dogs. They may avoid interactions altogether, unable to function adequately around these stimuli.
Hyperarousal and Reactivity: Instead of reacting calmly, dogs may become hyper-aroused and rely on their innate survival responses like fight, flight, or freeze (Landsberg et al., 2013). This can lead to aggressive behaviours toward humans or other dogs, intense stress in new situations, or destructive behaviour like excessive barking or chewing.
Lack of Bite Inhibition and Social Skills: Dogs who miss out on early socialisation often lack essential social skills. They may not understand bite inhibition—knowing how hard to bite during play—because they were not taught by their mothers or littermates. They may also lack general behavioural rules that are typically learned through play and interaction.
Can Older Dogs Be Affected Too?
It’s not just puppies who suffer from a lack of socialisation. Older dogs can also regress and lose their social abilities if they are suddenly denied access to social experiences. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many dogs were unable to interact with other dogs or people as frequently as they once did. As a result, some of these dogs may have regressed in their social skills, becoming more anxious, fearful, or aggressive in social situations (Dietz et al., 2018).
Your Dog Isn’t Doing It on Purpose
It’s important to remember that dogs who display behavioural issues due to a lack of socialisation are not doing it on purpose. They aren't being "bad" or "disobedient." Instead, they are responding to their environment in the only way they know how, often relying on instinctual behaviours like aggression, avoidance, or anxiety because they haven't had the chance to learn how to react appropriately. Understanding this can help you approach their behaviour with empathy and patience.
How to Help a Dog Who Has Missed Out on Socialisation
If your dog has missed out on early socialisation or seems to be struggling with social interactions, it’s not too late to help. Here are some steps you can take:
Create Positive Social Experiences: Start by providing your dog with positive social experiences in small, manageable steps. Gradual exposure to new stimuli, environments, people, and other dogs in a controlled, positive way can help your dog build confidence.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or play when they exhibit calm and appropriate behaviour during social interactions. This helps reinforce that socialising is a positive experience.
Be Patient and Consistent: Behavioural change takes time, especially if a dog has been deprived of socialisation for a significant period. Be consistent with your efforts, and don’t rush the process. Remember, you are helping your dog learn new ways to cope with the world around them.
Seek Professional Help: If your dog’s social behaviour is particularly challenging, consider working with a certified dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide guidance and structured modification plans to help your dog develop new, healthy behaviour patterns.
Encourage Interaction in Safe Environments: Set up controlled playdates with other well-socialised dogs or visit a dog-friendly park during quieter times. Allow your dog to observe and gradually engage with others at their own pace.
A well-socialised dog is not only happier but also more enjoyable to be around, strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.
Add comment
Comments