Puppy Socialization
Proper socialization includes exposing and acclimating your puppy to a variety of sounds, smells, sights, people, pets, and activities! Improper or lack of socialization can lead to anxieties and behavior issues later in life. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), “behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age”.
When to Start
Training and socialization are most effective when started early! According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, puppies can start socialization classes as young as 7-8 weeks! Proper socialization starts with the breeder handling the puppies often and exposing them to normal day to day noises and activities. Although socialization is best absorbed by a puppy during the first 3 months of life, it is important to continue to work with your pet through adulthood.
Socializing Your Puppy
The most important part of socializing your puppy is to make each experience a positive one! Using small treats and other forms of praise when your puppy responds positively to something new can help him or her associate whatever he was exposed to with a positive feeling. Remember to stay as calm as possible when socializing your puppy. Dogs are great at reading our emotions, so if you are nervous or stressed, your puppy might become nervous and stressed too.
Although it is important to acclimate your puppy to many new things, it is important not to do too much too quickly! Start by having family and friends come meet and handle your puppy in your home. You can also have them bring over their own pets to interact with your puppy. Your puppy should have at least one set of vaccines before being around other pets or attending puppy training and socialization classes. Once your puppy has been adequately vaccinated, taking them into public places can also acclimate them to many new sounds, smells, people, and pets. We highly recommend taking your puppy to the veterinary office for “fun visits”. These visits are for your pet to come get treats and attention from the veterinary staff without your pet having any treatments or vaccines done. This can help keep your pet from being fearful of veterinary clinics and staff and make other visits less stressful for you and your pet!
It is also good for your puppy to learn to be alone. Giving your puppy alone time can help keep your pet from developing separation anxiety. Start by leaving your puppy alone for just a few minutes and use praise and treats when he or she does well! Over time, increase the amount of time you are leaving your puppy alone. Using things like tv or radios to produce background noise can also keep your puppy from feeling alone and help keep them calm.
When to Start
Training and socialization are most effective when started early! According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, puppies can start socialization classes as young as 7-8 weeks! Proper socialization starts with the breeder handling the puppies often and exposing them to normal day to day noises and activities. Although socialization is best absorbed by a puppy during the first 3 months of life, it is important to continue to work with your pet through adulthood.
Socializing Your Puppy
The most important part of socializing your puppy is to make each experience a positive one! Using small treats and other forms of praise when your puppy responds positively to something new can help him or her associate whatever he was exposed to with a positive feeling. Remember to stay as calm as possible when socializing your puppy. Dogs are great at reading our emotions, so if you are nervous or stressed, your puppy might become nervous and stressed too.
Although it is important to acclimate your puppy to many new things, it is important not to do too much too quickly! Start by having family and friends come meet and handle your puppy in your home. You can also have them bring over their own pets to interact with your puppy. Your puppy should have at least one set of vaccines before being around other pets or attending puppy training and socialization classes. Once your puppy has been adequately vaccinated, taking them into public places can also acclimate them to many new sounds, smells, people, and pets. We highly recommend taking your puppy to the veterinary office for “fun visits”. These visits are for your pet to come get treats and attention from the veterinary staff without your pet having any treatments or vaccines done. This can help keep your pet from being fearful of veterinary clinics and staff and make other visits less stressful for you and your pet!
It is also good for your puppy to learn to be alone. Giving your puppy alone time can help keep your pet from developing separation anxiety. Start by leaving your puppy alone for just a few minutes and use praise and treats when he or she does well! Over time, increase the amount of time you are leaving your puppy alone. Using things like tv or radios to produce background noise can also keep your puppy from feeling alone and help keep them calm.