Socialize, socialize, socialize

...did I mention how important socialization is for your puppy?  Socialization is top of the list important for your dog.  It would be great if everyone started when their dogs were puppies, but even older dogs can benefit from getting out and about.  Socialization isn't only about introducing your dog to other dogs it is much more.  Socialization is allowing your dog to have opportunity to use their five senses or at least, to see, hear, touch and smell the world around them.  I like to use the sense of taste too as I incorporate different treats and reward their good behavior as we travel and visit all types of people, places and things!

Here is what I share with my students, especially my puppy clients. Be sure all experiences are safe and pawsitive for the puppy.  Each encounter should include treats and lots of praise.  Slow down and add distance if your puppy becomes frightened by an object, thing or person.  By the time your puppy is 12 weeks old it should have

Experienced 12 different surfaces - wood, carpet, grass, dirt, mud, puddles, grates, sand, linoleum, stones, mulch, stairs etc.

Played with 12 different objects - fuzzy toys, big and small toys, rubber toys, cloth toys, hard and soft toys, cardboard, toys that make sounds, milk jugs, wood items, metal items etc.

Experienced 12 different locations - front yard, lake/pond/river, basement, elevator, car, moving car, other people's homes, school, vet (just to say hi), groomer (just to say hi), stores such a Lowe's, playgrounds, etc

Meet and Play with 12 different types of people (outside of family) - baby, toddler, young children, men, men with hats, men with sunglasses, men with facial hair, women with hats, women with lots of jewelry and perfume, people in wheelchairs, people with canes, people with walkers and crutches etc.

Exposed to 12 different noises(always watch puppies comfort level and stay pawsitive, be careful not to frightened the puppy) - garage door opening, children playing/laughing/singing, babies crying, loud motorcycles, car horns, sirens, vacuums, lawn mowers, clapping, washing machine, dryer, whistles, etc

Exposed to 12 fast moving objects/things/people(but remember don't allow puppy to chase) - skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, roller skates, scooters, people running, cats running, squirrels running, horses running, motorboats, fast cars/trucks, fast moving motorcycles, etc.

The skies the limit as long as your dog is safe at all times.  And the good news, it's never too late, you can go over this list with older dogs too.  Remember when you see a new person, place, thing, object or another dog be aware of your body language, don't tense up or put tension on your puppy's lead.  If you feel uncomfortable about a situation, take a deep breath and be proactive by redirecting your puppies attention to something else and ask them to follow you away from the scary situation (use a lure such as a treat to help redirect their attention).

Have fun enjoying life with your dog...a well socialized dog is a pleasure to take anywhere!