Trainer Leighann works with puppy Rosebud in Lowe’s

#1 Socialization isn’t what you think it is

Most everyone knows socialization is important, but fewer understand what it actually means.

I define puppy socialization as: “structured exposure that reduces novelty, build positive associations and creates the behaviors you want to see in your adult dog.”

This means that I do not prioritize the puppy meeting other dogs or people.

Instead, I teach the puppy they get a treat for noticing distractions like dogs, people, loud trucks, cats, etc. AND that paying attention to the handler around distractions is WONDERFUL.

#2 Socialization ends before you think it does

Do. not. wait. to. socialize. your. puppy.

If you wait to socialize until your puppy finishes his vaccines, your best chance at socialization is already over.

The ideal window for socialization closes between 14 and 16 weeks. Most pups aren’t done with initial vaccines until they’re 16-20 weeks old. You really cannot wait.

As long as you are smart about where you go, your puppy can leave your home before he’s 16 weeks old.

You can carry him through pet-friendly stores like Lowe’s Home Improvement
You can park outside a shopping center, bank or library for him to watch the world go by
You can provide novel items for him to investigate in your home and yard
You cannot visit dog-heavy locations such as parks and pet stores

Check out my blog post on how to socialize your puppy.

For more information about the importance of socialization prior to 16 weeks, see the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorist’s position statement.

Puppy Tommy eats from an Outward Hound Slo-Bowl

#3 Messing with your puppy or his food while he’s eating does NOT prevent aggression

I’ve listened to a number of owners share that they mess with their puppy/dog (or his food) while he’s eating to make sure he’s okay with that.

No one wants an aggressive dog, so I don’t blame people for doing everything they can to prevent it.

Unfortunately, this practice actually does the opposite of what’s intended: messing with your puppy or his food while he’s eating is a great way to make him aggressive.

Let your puppy eat in peace so he doesn’t have to worry about his food.

#4 Your puppy doesn’t have to play with other dogs to have a good life.

Most puppies start out as Dog Social: they love all other dogs. As they mature, most shift to Dog Selective or Dog Tolerant. This is normal.

Do not feel pressured for your puppy to meet every dog he sees, visit the dog park every night, or even go to daycare.

Your puppy (and adult dog) can have a great life without any of these activities. In fact, he might actually prefer it!

(For more info on dog parks and doggy daycare, see my posts, The Dirt on Dog Parks and Should My Dog Go to Day Care?)

#5 Potty pads make potty training harder

Ditch the pads.

I’m not a fan of any form of indoor toileting unless it’s absolutely necessary. When it is, I recommend real grass Fresh Patch instead of traditional potty pads. Carpet gets mistaken for a pad, and the pads themselves often turn into confetti.

For potty training help, check out my blog post on How to Potty Train.

#6 A fearful puppy needs professional help ASAP

Persistent fear in a young puppy is not normal and not something he’ll likely grow out of.

If your puppy is often fearful, please work with a qualified professional ASAP. There’s no reason for your puppy to suffer and the sooner you help him the better.

#7 Genetics matter

Your puppy’s genetics influence more than his looks. They also influence his breed-specific behavior (herding dogs want to herd moving things) and his temperament (some dogs are born with a greater tendency to fear).

Please know that no amount of training will completely overhaul breed-specific behavior or temperament.

This doesn’t mean your Border Collie can’t learn to not herd your nieces and nephews, but it does mean you’re asking him to do something his genes are telling him he should do. Training isn’t going to turn your Border Collie into a Bulldog.

#8 Age of Acquisition

There are some different opinions on the best age to bring a puppy home, but no one recommends anything younger than 7 weeks.

In Texas, it’s actually illegal for licensed breeders to sell puppies younger than 8 weeks old.

If a breeder or rescue will send a puppy home at 7 weeks or younger, go elsewhere.

Taking a pup from Mom and littermates too early isn’t only hard on you, it’s hard on the puppy. There are things they learn during that time that we humans cannot replicate.

8 Things to Know Before Bringing Your Puppy Home