5 Most Common Socialization Experiences
At Little Paws Academy we understand that getting a puppy can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. You might be wondering where do you start and what should you teach her first? We believe that it is never too soon to start socialization experiences as you only have a brief time before the socialization window closes, when she reaches 5 months old.
We recommend giving your puppy at least three socialization experiences each day and assessing his mind frame to make sure that he is enjoying his socialization journey. And remember, always go at his pace, never forcing him to interact with a socialization experience if he does not want to.
Here are our 5 Most Common Socialization Experiences.
People - Meeting strangers are a part of every day life so it is best to get your puppy comfortable with people of all body sizes (tall, short, overweight, slender), genders, and ages. People also often wear different accessories, so think of as many different examples as you can and start to wear them around the house. Some suggestions are sunglasses, hats, raincoats, and uniforms.
Animals - On walks you will often run into different animals. When seeing dogs, cats, squirrels, birds, etc it is important to help your puppy remain calm and comfortable. Keep in mind just because she see another dog does not mean she should meet it. Not all dogs are vaccinated or friendly so limit her greetings to known dogs until she is about 6 months old.
Objects - Objects can be easily found within your home or during outings. Some examples of common objects are boxes, step stools, canes, cars, bikes, skateboards, and strollers. Teach your puppy to remain calm around objects that move and encourage interaction when appropriate with those that don’t move.
Sounds - We hear sounds so frequently that we naturally tune most of them out. Take a moment to listen and make a list of what you hear. It might include cars whizzing by, birds chirping, or an alarm going off on your phone. Make another list of sounds you hear daily and a final list of sounds you hear on holidays such as 4th of July or Halloween. Record these sounds and create positive associations for your puppy by playing a sound and immediately giving him a treat. Repeat the process adjusting the volume of the sound depending on his comfort level.
Surfaces - Do you remember the feeling of the cool grass on your bare feet as a child? Or the hot sand at the beach last weekend? Well, your puppy is encountering those sensations too. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have shoes to protect her paws so we want to make sure she has positive experiences as she walks over those surfaces using treats and play to build her confidence.
Want a more personalized approach to your puppy’s socialization and training? Or noticed he is unsure of something not listed here and not sure how to proceed? Learn more about Socialization Experiences by contacting us today!
