How To Socialize A Puppy

Gone are the days when vets suggested you to keep your little puppy enclosed inside the house, till the time he got fully vaccinated, for the fear that he might catch infection from other pets. These days, they encourage owners to take their puppies outside and let them mingle with people as well as pets, so that they do not end up developing behavioral problems later on. However, you need to make sure that the places that you frequent with your little dog are not too crowded, like dog parks or beaches. At the same time, make sure to carry him in your arms, at all times. Such places are suitable only after your puppy has been fully vaccinated. Go through the following lines to know how to socialize your puppy.

 

 

One of the best ways to socialize your puppy is to introduce him to a wide variety of people. Invite people of all age groups to your home and encourage them to interact with your puppy. If they have friendly, healthy pets, ask them to bring the pets along. You can even take your pup to their house and pay a visit. Have visitors, mail carriers or even delivery people give your puppy a small treat, so that he views the experience as positive.

 

After you puppy has been vaccinated, enroll him in a puppy training class or kindergarten and make sure that he is regular. As he comes in contact with a new environment, where there are different types of people and various dogs, on a regular basis, he will get used to the experience. However, do make sure that the classes are meant to have fun and not too disciplining. At the same time, praise and treat your puppy for doing well in the class.

 

You need to introduce your puppy to the common noises that form a part of your daily life. For instance, inside the house, make him hear the vacuum, dishwasher and other machines that you work on. When outside, you need to introduce him to street sounds and traffic sounds (like car horns or fire and truck engine noise); which he will inevitably encounter in the future. However, do make sure that the experience does not scare your puppy and is a constructive one.

 

As a part of socializing your puppy, you need to make him accustomed to the veterinarian as well. For this, you will have to take him to the vet even when you do not have an appointment. This will allow him to view the clinic in a positive way, as he will not be poked or prodded at such an instance. With time, you will be able to make your puppy visits more pleasant for everyone involved. You also need to make him see ear cleaning, baths and nail clipping in a positive way.

 

In case you do not have children at your home, it is important to go out of the way and introduce your puppy to kids. This is an important part of his socializing process. You can go to the house of a neighbor or a friend who has children, carrying your pet along. If not exposed to children in a positive way, puppies can develop a fear from them, especially since kids are quite unpredictable and have fast moving hands and feet.