Congratulations on your new puppy! Now starts the fun part! It is your job to help this puppy turn into an awesome dog that you LOVE living with. Socializing your puppy is key in developing their coping skills and minimizing their fears. And in some ways socializing your puppy is the hardest part.
In the first months of their lives if you don’t expose them to new and different things they may have a fear or aversion in the future. Begin socializing your puppy as soon as they come home, puppies are most impressionable between three and 12 weeks old. After four months they start to form their permanent impressions and it will take longer for them to adjust to new and different experiences. Older dogs can still be socialized, it will just take a little longer.
Get Your Free Puppy Socialization Printable!
So, what should you do to socialize your puppy? Introduce them to as many new things as you possibly can! You can get our FREE PRINTABLE to check off some the best things to introduce them to!
You want your puppy to be confident and unafraid of people, places, and things. When you are introducing your puppy to new things the experience should be fun. Make sure to have lots of reinforcements with you, I like Fruitables Skinny Minis and Happy Creamies. And if it is something that he has been tentative about before you may want to carry some string cheese or hot dogs with you to make it even more exciting for him.
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Let your puppy approach at his pace and move away if he feels like he needs it. Do NOT force your puppy to do anything new she isn’t ready for. That could cause her to have issues not only with that situation but may generalize it to all new situations.
Generalizing Interactions
Part of socializing your puppy is to generalize the interactions. He might be fine with your children at home but not children at a park or in the shopping center. She might like the puppies in your training class but not puppies she meets at the pet store. It is important to treat each situation that is new as the first time your puppy has done that, even IF you think he has before.
When your puppy reacts to something new in a negative way you will want to start the introduction process over. If it is a noise, try making it quieter or move her further away from the sound and try again. If it is an object, try approaching it another way or venturing away and try again after a few minutes have passed. Reward your dog for being brave! Conserve your treats if your puppy is showing fear, you do not want to reward that behavior.
Socializing Before Vaccinations…You Can Do It Safely
Much of your initial socialization will occur before your puppy is fully vaccinated. Make sure when you are introducing your puppy to other dogs that they are fully vaccinated and are healthy. Ideally, they will be dogs you know well and are able to visit in each other’s homes. If you are doing a puppy class where the dogs are able to meet each other, ensure the class checks vaccinations. Remember if you feel like any puppy isn’t healthy or won’t do well with your dog don’t force an interaction.
Remember to have fun with your puppy. Every experience should be positive for them and you.
