Proper socialization is something pet parents need to focus on when they have a pup. Socializing a pup helps ensure they grow up confident, happy, and self-confident. Most people think that socializing a pup is just about letting them meet humans and other dogs. But it is more about exposing them to various things they may encounter as they grow and develop. This means exposing them to places, people, and situations to help the pup become used to dealing with different settings and the world they live in.

How to Socialize a Puppy

It’s best to socialize a pup during their first three months. This young age is when you want to gently and slowly introduce them to different people, places, and situations. Start by thinking about how you hope your pup will behave once they reach adulthood. Then, encourage the behaviors as you continue to expose them to new things. Let them encounter the various settings and situations on their own terms. Allow time for them to adjust, and for them to back away if they feel they need to. Make a note of things they avoid so you can try it again later. If your pup seems afraid or overwhelmed by a situation, don’t push them.

Types of Exposure Your Pup Needs

Let’s look at a few things to expose your pup to. Make sure to do it in an way that is positive, encouraging, and pleasant. Take it slow and don’t expose your pup to everything at once. Offer your pup a lot of support so they develop confidence needed to grow up into a well-adjusted adult dog.

Various Kinds of People

Your pup needs to be exposed to a lot of different types of people like infants, toddlers, older kids, teenagers, adults, and older people. They should have the opportunity to meet men and women as well as different races and ethnicities. Expose them to large people and small people, and people wearing different types of clothing including hoodies and hats.

They should meet people carrying umbrellas or using canes or walkers, as well as people wearing uniforms. They should encounter firefighters, police and medical personnel. Introduce them to people using crutches and people in wheelchairs.

People Who Are Doing Different Things

Your pup should be exposed to people that are doing different activities. Think of things like running, kneeling, exercising, throwing balls, or lying down. They should encounter people who are standing on ladders or chairs, using tools, carrying boxes or bags, and doing chores like sweeping or mopping.

Other Animals

A dog may see a lot of different animals over its lifetime. Expose them to lots of different types of animals, including dogs. They should see dogs that look like they do and dogs that look different than them. Let them meet cats, horses, goats, chickens, and even wild animals like squirrels and rabbits.

Things That Move Around

A puppy needs to become familiar with things that move. Think, skateboards, bicycles, cars, trucks, segways and scooters, firetrucks and motorcycles. It takes time for them to get used to things blowing in the wind, children flying kites in the park, garbage cans on wheels, and neighborhood activities like people shaking out their rugs.

New Places

While your pup is little, take them to as many places as possible. Choose places that they are likely to go so that they can become familiar with them. Start with other homes, walks in the park, walking along the beach, or riding in your car. Venture out to shopping areas, hiking trails or places you might walk, boat docks, and the vet.

Being Handled

Everyone likes to pet a new puppy, right? Try to make it pleasant for your puppy by exposing them to different types of handling, including grooming, trimming, and vet exams. They also need to become used to interactions such as head pats and various invasive interactions like head pats, people invading their space, taking their food or toys.

Doggie Daycare

Doggie daycare can be a great place for pups to work on their socialization skills. If they are left along at home for long periods of time, they can get restless, anxious, and lonely.  A dog daycare gives them friends like a pack to run with. They will be supervised as they interact with other dogs, and they will learn to play and socialize in healthy, acceptable ways.

Be prepared for socializing your pup by fitting them with a custom harness from BrilliantK9. We have a variety of colors and patterns to choose from so you can easily match your pup’s style and your preferences. We’ll help you with measurements so your dog’s harness will fit properly and comfortably.