How To Socialize a Puppy Safely

People are sometimes warned not to take their puppies out in public until they are fully vaccinated for fear that the puppy might catch disease. But times have changed and most vets, trainers, breeders and behaviorists recommend that you get your puppy out and socialize him early. An under-socialized puppy is more likely to have long-term behavior issues than get sick from interacting with other dogs.

You do want to balance medical risk with behavioral risk, which is why uncontrolled areas such as dog parks and beaches should be avoided until the puppy is fully vaccinated. But the risk is very minimal socializing your puppy in a controlled environment (such as the University Village if you're in Seattle) where dogs do not run loose.

• Age. The best age at which to socialize a puppy is between two and four months of age. After four months of age the socialization window starts to close and it's much more difficult to influence a puppy's opinion and attitude.

  For example if a puppy is not exposed to traffic prior to four months of age he may be so paralyzed with fear of the sights and sounds that walking on a city street may be impossible or at best uncomfortable. If the puppy is exposed to traffic prior to four months of age and introduced in a positive way, he will look forward to walking along a city street because it was a positive encounter.

• Human Contact. Research on dog behavior has found that puppies that are isolated from human contact between five and twelve weeks of age are never able to react normally to people later in life. This age is the "sensitive" period for a puppy and the weeks of the sensitive period may vary. Make sure your puppy experiences lots of positive human contact during this time.

So where and when do you begin your socialization?

1. Start at home. Well-known New York City dog trainer Toni-Kay Wolff of www.wellmannereddog.com suggests: When you first bring your pup home, visit the vet for a wellness check. If all is well, begin acclimating your pup to the sounds, sights and smells of its new environment - your home. After a few days get out into the city and begin your socializing program.
2. On the town. Carry your pup around, bring loads of treats, and ask anyone who wants to meet your pup to offer her a treat. Don't put your pup on the ground quite yet, but carrying her is perfectly safe. You want your puppy to think that loud noises, funny smells and silly people roaming the streets are perfectly normal!
3. Traffic. Fire engine goes by? TREAT and sound happy! Truck or bus backfires? TREAT and act silly! This will get your puppy used to all the noises and potentially scary things that he or she will inevitably encounter. If you expose your puppy to street sounds and traffic in a positive way (with treats and excitement), he'll be comfortable walking down the street with you.
4. Where to socialize. If you're living in Seattle, the University Village or Redmond Town Center are two very pet friendly shopping centers and most stores are open to you and your furry companion coming in for a visit. These are open-air shopping areas where your puppy can discover other people, dogs and places while on his leash.

   

   Look for a similar shopping center in your neighborhood where many shops have dog cookies and water bowls. If unsure if you should come into a store with your puppy simply ask at the door, a little puppy etiquette never hurts.

   Banks can also be great training ground for socializing a puppy. Many will let your puppy in and may even offer him a biscuit. Your bank doesn't welcome dogs? You may want to re-think where you bank and pick a dog friendly banking institution!
5. Kids. If you do not have children it's important that you seek out children so you can socialize your puppy. Children are more unpredictable and have fast moving hands. Puppies that are not exposed to children may fear them.
6. Scary situations. Be careful not to give too much attention if your puppy acts fearful in a situation that is normal. If a bicycle races by and your puppy cowers you will be tempted to pet him and reassure him that "it's ok, you're alright, its ok". What your puppy may very well hear is, "Good boy, mommy loves it when you act afraid, please continue!" It's best to just reward him with a treat and move on. When the next bicycle comes near, offer a food reward to the puppy so he redirects his thoughts from fear to treat. Puppies value food so don't be afraid to offer it as a reward.

   Sarah Wilson, nationally known dog trainer and best selling author (Good Owners, Great Dogs and My Smart Puppy) recommends:

   • "If your puppy is frightened of someone, tell that person to ignore the puppy. Go stand near that person and act relaxed. Shy puppies are always more comfortable approaching rather than being approached. Chat for a few minutes and allow the puppy to investigate if he wants. If he is hanging way back, try tossing a treat his way. Remember to stay upbeat! When he takes the treat, drop one closer to you, then closer and closer. Ignore the dog. Let him get it if he feels like it. Instruct the person to squat down, sideways to the puppy. Direct eye contact will frighten the pup, so have them look at the floor. Be verbally supportive, "What a dog! Say hello!" and walk over to the person. Don't allow the person to reach for the pup. When the pup finally does approach, have the person reach under his chin and scratch his chest. Reaching over his head will spook him. If he is too frightened to come all the way over, don't press it. Be happy with the success you got and move on."
7. Puppy kindergarten. Dr. Allen Matson of Hollywood Hill Animal Hospital, Woodinville strongly recommends that new puppy owners take advantage of Puppy Kindergarten. Puppy kindergarten allows your puppy to meet and interact with other puppies that are also learning to socialize, as well as older dogs that act as "coaches". The playtime is supervised and teaches your puppy how to behave appropriately around other dogs.

   Dr. Matson also states that "most dogs bite out of fear and a socialized dog has fewer behavioral issues, I recommend socializing your puppy to as many things possible and after the second vaccination a puppy socialization class can positively imprint the puppy for a life time."

8. Unexpected places. My puppy's first shopping experience was at a car dealership. I actually think I got a better deal because of my little chunky Labrador puppy, Moose. Moose got loads of attention, praise and cookies from all the sales people at Michael's Toyota in Bellevue. The sales person worked very hard to get Moose into a dog savvy car.

   It was a great social experience for my puppy and much more fun for me. Having Moose at my side kept the stress level to a minimum. Dogs and puppies are a calming influence. We often leave our puppies at home when we should really take advantage of more opportunities, such as looking for a new car, and turn them into a great socialization session with your puppy. You may not go home with a new car but your puppy will reap the benefits for the rest of his life.

Additional Tips: Whether you have cats or dogs, finding pet friendly hotels will help with all your travel plans.

If you have any questions about socializing your puppy please email becky@puppymanners.com.