Socialization

Proper socialization is all about exposing your new puppy to new places, noises, objects, smells, pets and people in a way that they can work at their own comfortable pace. The goal is to socialize, not traumatize.
- When you approach a new novel experience, follow the steps outlined below. Do not rush and do not force interaction.
- Approach the new sight while keeping the puppy under control and calm. Working loose leash skills is a perfect way to keep them engaged.
- Introduce your puppy to the new experience from a distance. Reward any acknowledgment of the new sight with positive reinforcement for appropriate response. (At this point, it just may be looking at it without getting worked up).
- If your pup is comfortable, you might gradually get closer. Continue to reward any reactions that are appropriate.
- Allow your pup the opportunity to investigate, explore and meet at his own pace. Remember, don’t force interactions.
- If the new sight is a person, and the puppy and people are both game, they can offer your puppy some food.
- Take advantage of appropriate opportunities. The goal with socialization isn’t to get your dog handled by as many new people as possible, or to play with as many new dogs as possible. It’s to teach them how to appropriately handle being around new things, while keeping under control and engaged with their owner/handler. A well socialized dog is able to ignore their surroundings and maintain focus on the handler.
- Thoughtful socialization will help your puppy feel safe in the world and increase curiosity and resilience.

Things to expose your puppy to:

People

• Adults

• Babies

• Toddlers

• Children

• Teenagers

• Seniors

• All genders

• Different ethnicities

Animals

• Friendly, healthy dogs

• Puppies

• Small pets (hamsters)

• Large birds (geese)

• Cats

• Livestock (goats)

People with

• Wearing PPE

• Canes

• Crutches

• Legs in cast

• Metal frame walkers

• Wheelchairs

• Guide dogs

• Baby carriages

• Baby carriers

• Back packs

• Luggage

• Wagons

• Shopping carts

• Limps or odd gaits

• Erratic body moves Different

People in Uniform

• Police

• Firefighters

• Postal workers

• Vet clinic staff*

• Ambulance attendants

• Crossing guards

• Meter readers

• Telephone worker

• Couriers

People Wearing

• Raincoats

• Umbrellas

• Sunglasses

• Hats

• Beards

• Helmets

• Costumes

• Punk hairdos

• Shaved heads

Motor Vehicles

• Motorcycles

• Skidoos

• Jet Ski

• Trucks backing up

• Screeching brakes

• Cars backfiring

• Airplanes

• Helicopters

• Drones

• Street cleaners

• Snow plows

• Garbage trucks

Different Surfaces

• Stairs (up and down)

• Sand

• Wood

• Ceramic tiles

• Carpet

• Slippery surfaces

Environments

• Socialization class

• Car rides

• Vet clinic

• Boarding kennel

• Groomers

• The bank

• Video store

• Gas station

• Toll booth

• Shopping mall

• Friend’s homes

• Public transit

• Outdoor café

• Country versus city

• Elevators/escalators

• Automatic doors

Athletic Folk

• Joggers

• Skate boarders

• Cyclists

• Roller bladers

• Cross country skiers

• Toboggans and sleds

• Snow boarders

• Surfers

• Wind surfers

• Speed walkers

• Spectator at 10k run

• Hang gliders

• People swimming

• Water skiing

• Hacky sack

• Martial arts

• Bike couriers

Home Environment

• Phone ringing

• Doorbell

• Loud TV

• Loud music

• Hair dryer

• Vacuum cleaner

• Kettle

• Dish washer

• Washer/dryer

• Electrical appliances

• Domestic staff

• Home office

• Sweeping/mopping

• Guests

• Repair people

• Delivery people

Construction Sites & Gardeners

• Jackhammers

• Cranes

• Front-end loaders

• Bulldozers

• Sledgehammers

• Power tools

• Fork lifts

• Carrying shovels

• Wheelbarrows

• Lawn mowers

• Ride on mowers

• Leaf blowers

• Weed whippers

• Electric hedge shears

• Sweeping with broom

• Garden hose

• Sprinkler system