How to Actually Socialize Your Puppy
Socialization.
If you’ve recently brought your puppy home, or you’re thinking about bringing a puppy home you’ve probably heard something about socialization.
This is an extremely important topic for puppies, so it’s getting some attention in the Koinonia Puppy series today. The hope is that you’ll leave this article with a clearer understanding of what socialization is and how to do it.
What is Socialization?
Socialization is the process of carefully exposing a puppy to new people, places, sounds, activities and objects to create pleasant associations.
Why Socialize?
Unfamiliarity often makes dogs nervous or fearful. Socialization reduces the amount of unfamiliarity an adult dog will encounter by making many thing familiar when he’s a puppy.
How to Socialize a Puppy
Sit and Watch is great for young puppies:
1) Drive to a bank, library, park, or shopping center parking lot.
2) Open the trunk/tailgate and sit in the back with your puppy.
3) Feed treats frequently OR let your puppy eat his meal from a Kong or puzzle toy.
4) After 5-10 minutes, drive home.
Sit and Watch is an easy way to let your puppy to observe the world outside your home without worrying about creating bad habits.
Short Socialization Outings to dog-friendly stores are encouraged for older puppies (10+ weeks).
These outings provide more comprehensive socialization, but also make it easier for your pup to become overwhelmed. Learn some dog body language so you can tell whether or not he’s enjoying his outing.
Outings also make it easier for your pup to learn bad manners like pulling on a leash and jumping on people. Practice some basics at home first, and watch out for accidental rewards.
Lowe’s or Academy are great places to start. As a general rule, larger stores are easier than smaller stores. Avoid pet stores until your pup is fully vaccinated and you’re both a bit more accustomed to working in public.
Make sure to call the store first to double-check that pet dogs are allowed.
It is a MYTH that your puppy must meet other people in order to be socialized. Appropriate exposure that builds positive associations and the behaviors you want is essential for socialization; meeting strangers and being touched is not.
When can we stop socializing?
A short socialization activity 3-4 times per week is recommended until your pup is around 14 weeks old and his window for extremely effective socialization window closes. After that, socialization can (and should!) still happen with 1-2 outings per week.
What about vaccines?
“Aren’t puppies supposed to stay at home until their vaccines are completed?”
The American Society of Veterinary Behaviorists has issued a position statement this dilemma. Their opinion is that the behavioral risks associated with keeping your pup home until his vaccines are finished far outweigh the health risks posed by careful socialization outside the home.
Be smart about where you take your pup, and he should stay healthy.
DO visit stores that aren’t as well known for being dog-friendly (like Academy and Hobby Lobby)
Do NOT visit parks or pet stores
Do NOT let your dog meet dogs you do not know
DO monitor his stool and overall health for signs of illness
Does proper socialization guarantee my puppy won’t be scared?
Unfortunately, no. Adult behavior is a product of both nurture and nature.
That doesn’t mean socialization is pointless! Naturally fearful puppies can be helped by careful socialization, but they might never turn into social butterflies who love everyone and enjoy visiting new, busy locations.
If you would like some help getting your pup’s socialization needs met, ask about Koinonia’s Puppy Field Trips! Leighann loves taking doggies on adventures!
Looking for more puppy training help? Check out the other topics in the Koinonia Puppy Series:
Crate Training Puppies
What Should I Teach My Puppy First?
The Truth About Puppy Biting (and How to Stop It)