 Socialization is simply a term used to refer to the process of inheriting norms, customs and ideas. Socialization provides skills necessary for living within society; society develops a culture through commonly shared standards and ideas. Socialization is the method by which social and cultural stability is achieved.
 The socialization process may or may not affect the individual and may or may not lead to desirable outcomes. Individual views on certain issues may be socialized within a family providing us only a partial explanation for behaviors. Scientific research provides strong evidence that individuals are shaped by both shared influences as well as their biological makeup. Genetic studies have shown that an individual’s environment works with their genotype to influence behavioral outcome. At Old McDonald Bulldogs we consider the concept of Nature vs. Nurture when raising our puppies.
 The capacity for learning changes throughout an individual’s lifetime and at Old McDonald Bulldogs we feel the best time to release our puppies is from 9 to 12 weeks since the first important socializing period will be over depending on individual progression. We introduce our puppies to the members of our family at birth. The puppies are raised in our home with the TV on or perhaps a vacuum running. They are allowed to explore our home in designated areas like the family room or the puppy bedroom. When they are older they will sleep with their littermates in the puppy room separate from the family. We use a number of methods to stimulate a soothing environment in the room with the hope that we will eliminate any tendency toward separation anxiety and thus making the transition to a new home much easier. We also feel that when they begin crate training with their new family this quiet time will be more welcoming and less scary. When they are older and have had the first set of shots, we introduce them to the outdoors. We will begin feeding them outside and allowing them to explore their environment. The entire family goes outside and provides praise and reassurance to the litter at all times. It may take a couple of visits outside but soon they enjoy it with no hesitations or reservations.
 It is important the buyer continues to socialize their new puppy, introducing them to other dogs, sights, and sounds. I encourage them to socialize for the first year. Studies have shown that proper socialization can reduce the chances of dog aggression, toy aggression, and food aggression. Puppy socialization classes are a fantastic way to provide structured stimulation with the comfort of the human family members.
At Old McDonald Bulldogs we continue to socialize our pack with other people and dogs by visiting the nursing home, schools, and doggie classes. This helps us in our selective breeding program using only the best tempered problem solvers as breeders.
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