Socializing puppies is essential for their development into a happy, relaxed, well-behaved dog. Your life will be so much easier if your puppy is relaxed with people, children and other dogs, and if they adapt easily to new things.
In this post, I’ll provide a puppy socialization checklist containing 7 tips for socializing your new puppy. I’ll also give you a recommendation for super effective puppy training, plus a free puppy training tutorial.
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7 Tips for Socializing a New Puppy
1. Get your puppy vaccinated. You should make sure your puppy has been
vaccinated before you start the puppy socialization process. For help with getting your puppy’s medical and safety needs taken care of, read this article, First Time Vet Visit for Your Puppy.
2. Hold off on visiting a dog park. This may not be the best place to start socializing your puppy. It may be too much for them, and could be potentially dangerous. Read this blog post from Professional Dog Trainer, Doggy Dan called, Dog Socialization Training : Why Dog Parks Aren’t the Best Option for All Dogs.
3. Socialize your puppy with other puppies. Puppy obedience classes can be a safe way to socialize your puppy where the risk of infection is minimal. Puppies are usually required to have certain vaccinations to be included in these classes. Puppy obedience classes aren’t the best way to train your puppy; they generally only cover basic command training. I’ll give you a better recommendation for puppy training later in this post. But they’re a good place to start socializing your puppy.
4. Schedule play dates with other dog owners. Time spent with your friends’ older, fully-vaccinated dogs is a great way to provide safe puppy socialization. Always make sure your puppy is supervised when they’re with an older, or bigger dog. For help on doing this safely, please watch Doggy Dan’s video, How to Introduce a Puppy to a Bigger Dog.
5. Stay away from busy areas. Avoid visiting high-traffic areas where your puppy could be exposed to infectious diseases such as dog parks, common dog walking paths, beaches or doggy day care. Definitely avoid taking your puppy to outdoor festivals. It’s too much for young puppies, and too risky until they’re older and fully vaccinated.
6. Invite people over. This is a way to get your puppy used to people that’s safe and under your control. You may want to avoid inviting people with small children over until your puppy has had some experience with adults. Either way, make sure your puppy is supervised when you have guests.
7. Carry your puppy while you walk around the neighborhood. This will keep them safe and less afraid while they begin to become familiar with the sounds, sights and smells of your neighborhood. They can also start to see other dogs while they’re safely in your arms.
Socializing Your Puppy with Other Household Pets
Socializing Your Puppy with Other Household PetsIf you have other household pets, click HERE for a free resource from Professional Dog Trainer, Doggy Dan, on the correct steps for introducing your puppy to other household pets.
For More Information
For much more information about puppy socialization, read my article, Socializing a New Puppy (includes video). You might also check out this article from the AKC (American Kennel Club) called, Puppy Socialization.
Free Puppy Training Tutorial
Free Puppy Training TutorialTake advantage of this free puppy training tutorial from Professional Dog Trainer, Doggy Dan, to learn exactly how to set your new puppy up for success.
Who is Doggy Dan?
Who is Doggy Dan?Doggy Dan is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, and the creator of the dog training website, TheOnlineDogTrainer.com. The site has more than 300 videos where you get to see Doggy Dan working with dogs and their owners. It’s been my #1 recommendation for dog training for more than seven years because it is effective and affordable. You can read my full review here.
Please feel free to comment below if you’re having a specific issue with your puppy or if you have specific puppy training questions. Doggy Dan has several tutorials; I may be able to send you a direct link for the help you need.
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Puppies are so cute,but as you said they do need training from a young age to avoid problems for later. These 7 tips are very useful, but I do wonder how long I need to carry my puppy when walking around the neighborhood, as to what age I should do this. I will look further into the video and the articles to find more information, thanks!