Almost everyday, Bill Schoen can be seen walking his cute little puppy Avila around town.
Schoen makes the trips to help Avila get acquainted with people, and the activities are completed to ‘socialize? the furry little pup.
‘I encourage people to pet her and be friendly with her,” he said. ‘I want her to be gentle and loving.”
He also takes her through town to get her used to traffic or people crossing on the sidewalk.
‘If you don’t socialize them when they are young they will never be friendly with anyone outside the family,” he said. ‘If you don’t socialize aggressive breed types, they will treat everyone outside the family as a threat.?
He has socialized nearly every dog he has owned over the years.
Schoen said socializing dogs when they are puppies is essential to encourage a friendly disposition throughout their life, especially for large breeds like German Shepards.
During his daily travels, Schoen walks down city streets and to Depot Park to find any adults, children and other dogs he can find.
Many times Schoen and Avila will sit outside Olde Village Caf?. Avila just sits and chills while her owner eats breakfast.
It is never a problem finding people to pet the cute little fur ball, and most everyone is eager to spend a little time getting to know her.
According to the ASPCA, poorly socialized dogs are much more likely to react with fear or aggression to unfamiliar people, dogs and experiences. Dogs who are relaxed about honking horns, cats, cyclists, veterinary examinations, crowds and long stairwells are easier and safer to live with than dogs who find these situations threatening. Well-socialized dogs also live much more relaxed, peaceful and happy lives than dogs who are constantly stressed out by their environment.
The prime time to socialize puppies is between three and 12 weeks old. After that, it’s harder to socialize because they are more cautious of everything and everyone.
If you are in town and see the pair walking around don’t be afraid to say hi and give Avila a friendly pet. For more information on socializing a puppy including a checklist visit www.aspca.org