Socializing your new puppy
Socializing is one of the most important roles of a new puppy owner. Puppies’ brains develop considerably from 6 weeks-16 weeks of age. Therefore, the importance of socializing the new puppy is critical as the puppy learns a lot about their world. It is a unique window of time that will impact the puppy for life. Socialization is the process by which your puppy is exposed to as many facets of life as possible.
Puppies that are well-socialized are more secure adults and more adaptable adults. If nothing else is done, the most important thing a puppy owner can do is expose the puppy to as many things as possible. To be beneficial, these exposures must be positive.
Puppies should be exposed, in a positive or neutral way, to as many things as possible. Negative experiences that occur during the socializing window can affect a puppy for life. Some recent research suggests that puppies need to be exposed to things several times over the socialization period.
Below is a list of items the puppies can be exposed to this not everything a new puppy can be socialized to but its a great starting point.
| Weird things: – Big plastic objects – Plastic bags – Balloons – Umbrellas – Mirrors – Big balls – Thrown things – Shopping trolleys – Prams – Fast movement – Kids toys – Windsocks – Brooms – Vacuum cleaner – The wind – The wind blowing bushes/trees – Flags – Balls – Frisbees – Tents – Flashlights | Traveling: – Escalators – Lifts – The car – Planes Other animals: – Puppy school – Big dog – Little dog – Shaggy dog – Smooth dog – Goats – Cows – Sheep – Alpacas – Chickens – Horses – Cats – Full breed dogs – Rabbits – Birds | |||
| Different Types of People: Men Women Boys Girls Shuffling people Slouched people People with glasses People on crutches People with walking sticks People with walking frames People walking strangely Babies Parties People on rollerblades Wheelchairs Fat people Thin people Tall people Short people People in dress ups (masks, costumes, big hats, etc) People in big coats People with beards People with sunglasses People of all races Bald people People exercising (running, jogging, jumping, etc) Children and babies | Different surfaces: – Bean bags – Tiles – Floorboards – Bubble wrap – Different walking surfaces – Wobbly bridges – Heights – Agility equipment – Gravel Water stuff: Sprinklers Hoses Being wet by the hose Water The beach The bath Swimming pools People swimming Water feature Rain Places: Airport Skate park Bus depot Train station Shopping malls Loud fun places ( e.g. show, fair) Football game Supermarket School Coffee shop Building site Bunnings Wreckers yard The gym Tennis game Office Speedway Place with crowds Main roads | |||
| Moving and making noise: Lawnmower Bikes Vacuum Skateboards Scooters Bus Train Tractors Whipper snippers Ride-on lawnmowers Bobcats Cars Trucks Motorbikes Chainsaws Forklift Helicopters Airplanes Sirens Hairdryer Suitcases Go-Karts Wheelie Bins Remote control cars Ceiling fans ‘Life-sized’ pictures of people Glass sliding doors Boats | Noises: Fireworks Storms (e.g. thunder and lightning) Parties Computer dial-up Musical instruments (piano, guitar, saxophone) Gunshot Cheering School bell Sound effects CD Saucepans Radio Lawnmower Loud noises The sound of a carbonated drink opening Being restrained: Leads Harnesses Halti/head harness Muzzle Opening mouth Cutting nails Grooming (as appropriate to the breed) Clippers Being tethered Having ears cleaned Having eyes cleared Having every part of the body handled Being picked up Teeth cleaning Being carried on a stretcher Being bandaged Elizabethan collar The vet |
You can find more information and tips on how to socialize your new puppy from the American Kennel Club. However, if you still have any questions about socializing your new puppy or want help with training please contact me today.