Socialization

Socialization means learning to be a part of society.

When we talk about socializing, we want our dogs to be comfortable within our society. There are many different things to expose them to. Noises, smells, people, animals, environments, surfaces, and other dogs. When we socialize them extensively, we instill a resilience in our puppy. Which means they’re able to adapt to their environment and cope because they’re familiar with things changing frequently.

The first 16 weeks are the most critical time for socializing. I get the first half and you get the second half!

The behavior of an adult dog is a result of their experiences as a pup, as well as genetics. Be proactive and prevent problems!

How to socialize your puppy

When something “different” happens like a loud noise, your puppy will pause for a second before responding. That’s your cue to act happy and give the puppy a treat! Do NOT coddle them. As the puppy parent, you set the tone for new things. Condition your puppy to know that a new thing = a good thing. This will help them overcome fear, especially during their “fear periods.”

If your puppy seems scared by something even if they were fine with it last week, don’t force the puppy to confront the scary thing. Work the situation and break his exposure into small steps.

Make sure there’s distance between the puppy and the scary thing. Start at a distance and gradually work closer to the scary thing. Pair the item with good things. You want to make it fun so the puppy knows good things happen when he approaches!