Adding a puppy to the family is often one of the most exciting times in anyone’s life. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the new puppy snuggles and fun of having a new friend, but it’s important to remember the responsibility you have as his owner! In addition to teaching him training commands such as come, stay, sit, and rollover, another important part of what he’ll need to learn is socialization skills. Teaching him to properly interact with other dogs and humans is crucial to ensure he’ll be a happy and well-adjusted puppy. It’ll prevent him from developing fears such as riding in a car, being scared of children, acting inappropriately around house guests, etc. Proper socializing skills will help develop him into a well-mannered companion! Check out our tips to learn how you can help him in learning this important skill.
When to Socialize
Between the period of 7 weeks to 4 months old, your puppy goes threw a socialization period that will shape his personality and how he reacts to the outside environment as an adult. Taking advantage of this highly impressionable time is key. Exposing him to as many new places, situations, and people as possible during this time will open up his mind and make a big difference in how he’ll react in the future.
How to Socialize
Introduce him to new things: As a puppy, everything is new! Allowing him to explore, and introducing him to as many new sights, sounds, and smells as possible is key. Bring him to all different places, such as the beach, the playground, the woods, and let him take in the scents and sights. Allow him to meet children, seniors, boys, girls, babies, and all different types of people. Let him play with other dogs, cats, and beyond. The more you introduce him to as a puppy, the better of he’ll be!
Make it Positive: The most important thing to remember when doing these new things with your puppy is making it a positive experience! It’s natural that he may be a little scared and apprehensive with new things, but encouraging him that it’s safe and acting excited will help him. Dogs have a great sense for reading our emotions, and if his owner is excited about it, he will be too!
Involve Other Family Members: Since you’re trying to introduce your puppy to as many new things as possible and build his confidence, it’ll also help to have other people take part in this socialization process. If he realizes that you’ll always be there when experiencing something new, he may start to rely on you as his “safe space.” Teaching him that he may experience these things no matter who he’s with will be helpful.
Puppy Training Classes
As a new puppy owner, it can be overwhelming to teach your dog all these new skills on your own! Leaning on the help of a professional can be highly beneficial for you both. At Argos Dog Training, we offer group and private training sessions to help your dog learn socialization skills, among many other commands. Check out our training programs, and contact us today to get started!