Proper socialization of your puppy will set the foundation for the rest of their life!
But how do you socialize your puppy during the coronavirus and social distancing protocols?
One of the most important phases in a puppy’s life is socialization. This includes more than being “social” with other dogs, pets and people. Just as importantly, your new puppy needs to be introduced to a variety of:
- Places
- Surfaces
- Sounds
- Objects
- Situations
to establish, nurture and expand his overall self-confidence with day-to-day life in the human world.
Today’s blog post will reveal why puppy socialization is so important, the common canine fears and 5 specific steps to socializing your K9 puppy even during COVID-19 and social distancing.
WHY It’s SO Important to Socialize Your Puppy
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the first 3 months of your puppy’s life will permanently shape his personality and reactions. After the first 3 months, puppies become more cautious about new experiences explains Fetch by WebMD.
“From about 12 to 18 weeks old the opportunity to easily socialize the puppy ends – and with each passing week it becomes harder to get the pup to accept and enjoy something that he’s initially wary of.”
Puppies without proper socialization may begin to develop unnatural K9 fears, anxieties, phobias and even potential aggressive behaviors in response to new situations. Help your puppy become a happy, well-balanced, stable and friendly canine as he grows and throughout his lifetime.
Socialize Your Puppy: Click Here for a Checklist!
Six Common Dog Fears
While each dog is unique, there are 6 common dog fears. By knowing these, you can effectively set your puppy up for success!
- Car rides
- Vet visits
- Meeting strangers
- Bikes, Wheelchairs and skateboards
- Noises including thunder, fireworks or vacuums
- Being left alone (separation anxiety)
By slowly, gently and positively exposing and allowing him to adapt to all kinds of sights, sounds and smells, your puppy will learn to be confident without fear or aggression. NEVER force a puppy (or adult dog) to accept a new experience, person, animal or object. Let them explore on their own terms and time in a protected and safe environment.
HOW to Socialize Your Puppy
There are still a variety of things (including the 5 tips below) you can do to properly socialize your puppy and build their confidence with new experiences even during the pandemic restrictions!
- Expose your pup to new places, smells and sounds with car rides! By making a special effort to take your dog on FUN rides (where it doesn’t end in a scary vet or groomer visit), you can teach your dog that car rides are something to look forward to!
- Walk your dog in new neighborhoods to encourage him to explore new sights, sounds, smells and surfaces! Hire a dog walker to expand your dog’s horizons during the day! You can still adhere to social distancing while helping to socialize your puppy.
- Play with your dog using games and enrichment activitie sat home. For example, hide-and-go-seek, scent games, obstacle courses and even snuffle mats can engage and challenge your puppy’s brain and expand his world!
- Look for local puppy classes offering smaller classes with safe social distancing! Make sure to wear a mask (your dog doesn’t need one).
- Remember, socialization is all about new experiences for your dog! So teach your puppy to be comfortable with being handled. Things like bathing, grooming, nail cutting, ear cleaning and teeth brushing are all excellent ways to teach your dog to be calm and relaxed!
Remember, the more experiences you safely expose your puppy to, the better prepared they will be to positively handle social interactions without stress, anxiety or fear!
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK GOLDENS AND DOODLES
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
Want more information about any of our puppies or upcoming litters?
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
