Should You Socialize Your Puppy?
The short answer is yes, you definitely should. Socializing is not just about playing well with others, it helps your dog navigate social situations involving other dogs as well as people. This becomes extremely important during public walks, especially if your pup is fond of off-leash, as well as having new people over to your home.
In addition, this helps alleviate anxieties your dog might be experiencing around new people or in new situations. Overall, it can build their confidence and lead to positive interactions with new people and dogs. So when it comes to questioning if you really should socialize your puppy, it’s a definite and resounding yes.
A Puppy’s First Few Months are Formative
The first three months of your puppy’s life are the best time for socialization. If you’ve gotten your puppy from a breeder, this process should have started already. According to the American Kennel Club, this is typically when a breeder will expose the puppy to new sights, sounds, and smells. You can either complete this training yourself or outsource to a business that specializes in socialization.
These moments of socialization should be unstressful and happy. You can ensure this by staying positive, rewarding good behaviour, and staying calm. Our youngest family members are very in-tune with what we’re feeling. If you’re uncomfortable, they’re uncomfortable. So that’s why it’s important to remain calm, excited, and positive when socializing your pup.
Can You Socialize an Older Dog?
In some cases, your pup may have passed those formative three months and you may be noticing some behavioural issues when out and about, or when meeting new people. This is typically the case for rescue dog owners. Despite this, there is still a way you can help build your older pup’s confidence and alleviate their anxieties in social situations. Constant, daily walks are a great way to socialize an older dog. They expose them to new sights and sounds in a comfortable way. They may even award an opportunity to meet new dogs and people in a safe, controlled way.
Overall, whether you’re the proud owner of a new puppy or a mature dog, socialization is crucial to ensure their health and happiness.
Socializing a puppy can be hard when you’ve got a busy schedule. Luckily, we’ve got you covered!
At The Pooches Playhouse, socializing a puppy isn’t just about behaviour. It’s about their comfort and confidence. That’s why we bring the lessons you’re teaching at home to our daycare. We keep each pup on their regular schedule and help their learning process, or, if you haven’t begun to teach—we can help you start.
Contact us today to learn more about how to socialize your dog.