J & L Mini & Toy Aussies

Puppy Socialization
To ensure you own a well-behaved adult dog you need to devote as much time as possible to puppy socialization during his first few months of life. If you don't, he may react with fear or aggression towards people, objects, sounds, or other animals he's never seen or heard growing up. That's why socialization is so important at a young age. If you want a confident, happy companion, spend as much time as possible introducing your new puppy to the world around him.

How to Socialize Your Puppy

When you begin to socialize your puppy you'll want to restrict where you take him until he has completed his first round of vaccinations. Start by introducing your puppy to your house. Have him follow you through your entire home to learn all the new sights and sounds. Let him sniff around and then familiarize him with as many different experiences as possible. Turn the vacuum cleaner on and off, ring the doorbell, flush the toilet, use the faucets, and do whatever else you think could startle your new puppy if he were alone. The more your pup sees and hears the better. Below are a few ideas to help with puppy socialization once your pup has settled into his new home.

Have family and friends visit When you start to socialize your new puppy it's best to bring the outside world to him. Once your pup is comfortable with his surroundings, invite friends and family to visit. Be sure you don't overwhelm or frighten your puppy by having everyone over at once. From kids and older adults to the elderly, introduce your pup to as many types of people as possible. You can even ask someone to bring their dog along to play with your puppy. Letting him interact with other dogs in this way is a beneficial approach to socializing your pup.

Take puppy for a drive Get your puppy used to being in the car by taking him for short road trips. This is great for puppy socialization and helps with future visits to the veterinarian. Drive your puppy to your local park, a friend's house, or to the beach. Wherever you go make sure it's a fun experience for your pup and he'll quickly learn to love riding in the car.

Carry puppy around town A trip to town is an excellent way to socialize your puppy in a different environment. Simply drive your puppy into town and carry him in your arms while you walk around. This will get him used to all the sights and sounds. Try to take your pup to a place he can be relaxed and play. When you're finished, pick up your puppy and walk through town back to your car.

Take puppy to the park Once your puppy is used to car rides and he's been in town, it's time to visit the park. This is an excellent place for your puppy to have fun, if you're careful. Make sure your chosen park is dog-friendly and be wary of other adult dogs. Some dogs don't like puppies. One bad incident could mean a huge setback in your plans for puppy socialization. Learn about some of the risks associated with dog parks.

While socializing your new puppy it's crucial to let him learn at his own speed. If your puppy is hesitant for any reason, don't force him and don't comfort him either. You need to be enthusiastic and act as you want your puppy to act. Remember, pups learn from your reaction to situations. If you're happy, relaxed, and confident, then he will be, too.

Also, keep in mind that between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks puppies enter what's known as the fear period. It's important to avoid any frightening experiences during this time. Things that scare a puppy within these two weeks can often leave a lasting negative impression. To be safe it's best to keep your puppy at home in familiar surroundings for the duration of the fear period.

If you invest time in puppy socialization now, your pup will be sure to mature into an adult dog that everyone can appreciate.