Howell Tiffani J, King Tammie, Bennett Pauleen C
School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia,
Vet Med (Auckl). 2015 Apr 29;6:143-153. doi: 10.2147/VMRR.S62081. eCollection 2015.
The most common role of a domestic dog in the developed world currently is that of companion. Puppy socialization practices play a large role in the development of well-adjusted adult dogs that display few undesirable behaviors, and which can establish a positive, lifelong relationship with their owner. Age-appropriate socialization practices should begin within a few days of birth, and should extend well into adulthood. These practices should aim to provide exposure to many of the types of experiences, people, and objects that the dog is likely to encounter over the course of its life, in a controlled and pleasant way. Dogs that are appropriately socialized as puppies are less likely to exhibit behavioral problems as adults, including aggression and fearfulness. They are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans, and can learn how to play games with humans better than dogs without proper socialization. However, the evidence in support of puppy socialization classes is less clear. There is some evidence that puppy classes positively impact adult behavior, but other studies show no clear benefit. Since socialization should begin early in a puppy's life, it is the responsibility of the breeder and the owner. Breeders can ensure that puppies are exposed to age-appropriate experiences while in the litter, and owners must ensure that the dog continues to have varied experiences throughout its life. Veterinarians are also an important part of this process, and are heavily relied upon by owners to provide information about health and behavior. Since veterinarians often see puppies during vaccinations, owners can be educated about proper socialization practices at those visits. Future research should aim to determine the minimum amounts of socialization required for a puppy, and whether there is a maximum amount, beyond which there is no benefit, or even a disadvantage.
在当今发达国家，家养宠物狗最常见的角色是伴侣。幼犬社交训练对培养适应良好的成年犬起着重要作用，这些成年犬很少表现出不良行为，并且能与主人建立积极的终身关系。适合幼犬年龄阶段的社交训练应在出生后几天内开始，并持续到成年期。这些训练旨在以可控且愉悦的方式，让幼犬接触到其一生中可能遇到的各种经历、人和事物。幼犬时期接受过适当社交训练的狗成年后出现行为问题的可能性较小，包括攻击性和恐惧行为。它们更有可能与人类进行积极的社交互动，并且比未接受适当社交训练的狗更能学会如何与人类玩游戏。然而，支持幼犬社交训练课程的证据并不明确。有一些证据表明幼犬课程对成年后的行为有积极影响，但其他研究则未显示出明显益处。由于社交训练应在幼犬生命早期开始，这是繁殖者和主人的责任。繁殖者可以确保幼犬在同窝时接触到适合其年龄阶段的经历，而主人必须确保狗在其一生中持续拥有多样化的经历。兽医也是这个过程中的重要一环，主人在很大程度上依赖兽医提供有关健康和行为的信息。由于兽医在幼犬接种疫苗时经常见到它们，主人可以在这些就诊时接受关于适当社交训练的教育。未来的研究应旨在确定幼犬所需的最低社交训练量，以及是否存在一个最大量，超过这个量就没有益处，甚至会有不利影响。
