Puppy Socialization Done Right: Building Confidence Beyond Playdates by Student Jeanne B
The Common Advice
Play, interact, let a ton of people pet your dog, allow your puppy to interact with strange dogs. We have all heard this, right!
This topic has many different opinions. This will explain my view and why I feel it’s important.
Controlled Greetings Matter
Puppy socialization is a little different for me as a trainer. Yes, your puppy needs to meet people. Yes, your puppy needs to meet other dogs. Here’s the thing—they also need to learn how to meet in a polite, controlled manner!
Environmental Exposures
Puppy socialization for me also includes environmental exposures. What’s that, you ask?…
As you get your puppy and bring it home, your job has just begun. From new flooring, maybe grass for the first time, maybe even an older dog you wanted a friend for. This can be a HUGE adjustment for your puppy.
Helping Puppies Adjust
Allow your puppy to investigate within boundaries. Allow them to just sit and watch/acclimate to that space and figure out it is safe.
Now is the time to teach your puppy how to adjust and overcome fear/uncertainty. Meal time/snack time is a perfect opportunity!
Teaching Confidence With Food
Grab that bowl of food, offer a kibble so they understand you have it, then walk into a different area. As soon as they cross into new territory get excited and feed them! Encourage, but don’t overdo it.
People Encounters Done Right
Allow them to see new people—be ready to feed them while you talk to the stranger but don’t allow that person to pet them yet. This shows your puppy that you are the valuable one, not the stranger.
Exploring Adventures
Now taking your puppy on exploring adventures! Slick surfaces, bumpy surfaces, rough surfaces, moving objects, swinging bridges, logs, doorways with gaps, going under things, through things—the sky is the limit! This is where your puppy gains confidence.
Raising a Well-Rounded Dog
So to tie all this together: be adventurous with your new dog. Enjoy watching and helping them grow into a well-rounded adult dog that isn’t afraid to go adventure with you!