Socialization for your puppy is a key for overall wellness! By the time a puppy is 12 weeks old, they should be exposed to a plethora of things. At this age, many puppies are not fully vaccinated, so there’s risk of diseases like Parvo and Distemper. You should avoid areas that other dogs frequent (e.g. dog parks). NYC actually has laws requiring full vaccination status before dogs can enter certain areas. So how can you socialize your puppy if they are not fully vaccinated? You’re in luck! There are tons of ways to set your puppy up for success by introducing them to new sights, sounds, and smells! So, read on for some helpful tips and tricks from the experts!
Start Early
Don’t wait to start socializing your pup! Socializing doesn’t just mean interacting with people and other dogs. The most important socialization work? Expose your puppy to the many things they’ll encounter in every day life. Reinforce mundane activities with treats to create a positive association.
Introduce your puppy to new sights, sounds, smells, people, places, and textures!
Carry your puppy around the block or in a dog stroller when you’re out and about. This allows your puppy to experience the world without risking their health. Additionally, puppies experience the world from a comfortable and controlled distance. Ensure that you introduce your pup to all sorts of sights, various sounds, and a variety of smells. Also introduce your pup to a diverse population of people and people in different types of outfits! Bring your pup to different locations and introduce them to different textures by letting them walk and explore grass, gravel, pavement, concrete, carpet, hardwood, etc!
Make socialization positive! TREATS & PRAISE GO A LONG WAY!
It’s your job to make sure all experiences are safe and positive for the puppy. These encounters should include lots of treats and praise. Your pup should also be able to leave the situation whenever they want. You can help them by slowing down, adding distance, or walking away entirely if your puppy is scared. Our goal is to make our dogs comfortable with every situation they encounter. Watch your puppy’s body language to make sure they’re not afraid or overstimulated!
Watch the world go by
Find a safe place to station yourself with your pup. Consider watching from your front porch or a tucked away spot in a more populated area. Ensure your pup isn’t in direct contact with other people or dogs. Sit with your puppy and every time they notice something, feed them a yummy treat! Reward even if your dog notices obvious things like a dog walking by or a skateboarder whizzing past. You can also reward for more subtle things like sounds or smells. Watch their body language for even a small ear movement or nose sniff and give them a treat!
Go to puppy classes for more socialization
This is a great opportunity for your puppy to learn how to play nicely with other dogs. The classes are monitored by Professional Dog Trainers who know how to read dog body language and can break up the play if it becomes too intense. You’ll want your puppy to have at least their first round of shots before being introduced to a puppy play group!
Have your friends, family, and neighbors over!
You want your puppy to be comfortable with different people coming into your home. Have your friends and family provide treats upon arrival so that your dog learns that they are not to be feared.
Advocate for your pup if they seem overcrowded or overstimulated by any guests! Encourage your guests to give your puppy space if it seems like they need it.
Safely introduce them to children and other pets
Set up one-on-one play dates with your pup and other dogs you know who are fully vaccinated! One on one play dates allow you to manage your dog’s experience with the other pup and ensure that they are playing nicely.
If you’re able to safely introduce your puppy to a child who knows how to be gentle and calm with your dog then allow them to interact! All interactions between your puppy and any children should be fully supervised.
Go socialize your dog!
What are you waiting for?! There are plenty of safe ways to introduce your puppy to the big wide world, and the sooner they’re introduced, the better! So get your treats ready and get your pup (safely) out into the world!
