Have you heard of imprinting and wondered what it meant? Or have you ever wondered if your dog was born knowing how to be a dog? The short answer to the second question is no. Dogs, like humans, are not born knowing everything; they have to be taught. This process of learning is called imprinting, and many animals do it. The question is, what happens during this time? Can dogs imprint only on other dogs, or do they imprint on humans as well?
What is Imprinting?
Imprinting is a type of learning that happens very early in a dog’s life. It begins at birth, when dogs learn primarily from their mother but also their littermates. This type of learning will teach a dog how to act around other dogs, how to read another dog's body language, if it’s okay to bite and if so, how hard, and many other skills that humans are just not able to teach as well as a mother dog can. This learning will also teach a dog who to socialize with, who they will end up mating with when they are older, and how to forge bonds within their species. Imprinting even teaches animals what species they are.
Stages of Imprinting
By the time puppies are three weeks old, they know very little other than that their needs have been met every step of the way. This is usually done by their mother, and she is generally all they know. When their eyes open, the learning continues in a more escalated manner because now puppies have another means of obtaining information. It is at this point that they gain the ability to truly know and to seek out their mother.
Between three and seven weeks, the puppies begin to know their littermates and learn how to live in a pack. This is extremely important, as their littermates will help teach them how to play without being too aggressive, a skill they will use their entire lives. During this time, puppies will also begin to imprint on other dogs in the house, learning their scents and accepting them into the bigger pack order. This stage of imprinting will actually continue through the dogs’ lives as they meet new humans and other dogs, and become familiar with them and their scents.
Before dogs reach seven weeks of age, they are entirely consumed by learning how to be a dog, and are imprinting on the canine and sometimes even feline members of the family. After seven weeks, they become capable of imprinting on humans. This is an extremely important stage in development that occurs between the ages of seven and twelve weeks. This is when the pups learn how to interact with humans, and in the meantime is learning a whole new set of boundaries. This stage also continues when pups go to their forever homes.
Why Imprinting Matters
So why does it matter if a dog imprints on his mother, littermates, other animals, and humans? Dogs learn the majority of their skills as pups, and without this knowledge base they often won’t know how to keep themselves safe. And proper, healthy imprinting will set a dog up for a balanced, happy life. It’s important because many things that happen during the initial imprinting phase can stay with the dog for his whole life. Sadly, any negative events that the pup can match with a person, place, or thing can easily cause him to act fearfully or aggressive when faced with the same thing later in life. This is why proper socialization is not only needed between dogs, but between humans, events, and places as well.
Whether you’re bringing home a new pup or an older rescue dog, remember to always make their "firsts" with you something special and enjoyable. Provide a safe place for your pup to retreat when necessary; he’s taking in a lot of information at once and this can be overwhelming. Make sure your pup has fresh water, nutritious dog food such as
CANIDAE All Life Stages, and a comfortable place to sleep.
Proper socialization is everything when it comes to your pooch and his imprinting, so remember to take it slow and let the bond form naturally. Given time and patience, your sweet new pet will surely fit right in as a beloved member of the family.
