- \n
- Be taken to new places and stay settled <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ignore what\u2019s going on around them \u2013 so leave the pigeons alone. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be around other dogs and not lose their minds from the excitement. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Generally, be a \u2018polite\u2019 and confident dog <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Puppy-Socialisation1.jpg\")
‘What?! I’m not the only puppy that exists in the world?’ – they’re quite likely to think this as they trot along the park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Why is puppy socialization important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Socialization is important for puppies, as it makes them less likely to have fewer behavioral issues when they get older. It will also make them less likely to show aggressive or stressed behaviors when in exciting situations. Plus, it can make walking a much more enjoyable experience for both dog and owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All puppys have a time-sensitive period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
All animals have a time-sensitive period at the start of their lives where they build connections between what they see, what happens when they see it, and how they should respond. Therefore, socialization is essential to their survival so that they know if things are hazardous or rewarding. Essentially, it stops them from getting into a jam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppy\u2019s grow up fast \u2013 so don\u2019t take your time!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll find out quickly that puppies grow up quicker than we ever realize (although they\u2019ll always remain puppies in our eyes), so it\u2019s important to gradually expose them to other animals, objects and new experiences as this is when it\u2019s really going to count. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the socializations period for puppies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although socialization takes place over the first year of life, puppys have a \u2018critical socialization period\u2019 that happens roughly between the ages of 4-16 weeks. The socialization window is the time when they\u2019re most receptive to this kind of learning, and will be most likely to absorb the most information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to socialize your puppy in 5 easy steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First, make sure to start early and continue gradually and persistently. Remember to go at your puppy\u2019s pace \u2013 trying to speed up the process only slows the progress down since we end up flooding them. Don\u2019t push them too far too fast, better to just go with the flow instead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Getting your puppy used to sounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your puppy can experience a wide variety of sounds at home during the puppy socialization period, even before you even start taking them outside. Don\u2019t really know what you get up to at home, but we\u2019re sure there are some sounds that are going to be quite new for them \u2013 the piano, vacuum cleaners, or blenders are some of the most common ones, but again, there might be many others that sound quite weird to them at the start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to get them used to them, is to have the sounds play at a low volume or maybe from a different room so they\u2019re not too overwhelming. We know that seeing them react to vacuum cleaner sounds can be entertaining, but we really wouldn\u2019t want to frighten them, would we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP: <\/strong>Remember that treats will truly be your right hand (..or hands?) when it comes to puppy socialization training. While the sound is coming from a different room, make sure to keep handing them treats to remind them that everything is all is in order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
YET ANOTHER PRO TIP: <\/strong>There are many available apps like Sound Proof Puppy Training<\/a> or tracks you can play to help your pup get tuned in to all kinds of different sounds (pun intended) that aren\u2019t so easy to replicate yourself such as fireworks or thunderstorms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information on how to get your puppy used to sounds, The Dogs Trust<\/a> has a lot of juicy material <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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PRO TIP: <\/strong>Remember that treats will truly be your right hand (..or hands?) when it comes to puppy socialization training. While the sound is coming from a different room, make sure to keep handing them treats to remind them that everything is all is in order.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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YET ANOTHER PRO TIP: <\/strong>There are many available apps like Sound Proof Puppy Training<\/a> or tracks you can play to help your pup get tuned in to all kinds of different sounds (pun intended) that aren’t so easy to replicate yourself such as fireworks or thunderstorms.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Puppy-Socialisation2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 2: Getting your puppy used to surfaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When walking outdoors, your puppy will probably experience walking on all kinds of different surfaces like sidewalk or muddy trails and things such as snow, ice and spat up gum, unfortunately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get them feeling confident about touching and walking on strange surfaces, \u2018What\u2019s under my feet?\u2019 is a good puppy exercise<\/a> (and game!) you can do at home before starting on any outdoor adventures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you start:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the surfaces you use for this exercise are safe \u2013 nothing slippery or skiddy like plastic bags. They\u2019ll come later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do this exercise in the room that your puppy spends most of their time in to make them feel safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to do it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Set up three different surfaces on the floor. Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your welcome mat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A towel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Scrunched up paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A cushion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cardboard or paper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. Let your puppy sniff and explore them in any way they like for about 15 minutes. They might feel like walking or even like barking at them<\/a> but that\u2019s alright \u2013 it\u2019s a good way for them to build confidence in front of them too. Who knows \u2013 it might even be their way of warning whatever inanimate object in front of them that they are not to be messed with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
TIPS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your puppy takes more time to explore than you expected, there\u2019s nothing to worry about. As long as you\u2019re with them, they\u2019ll feel good and at ease. Bet you didn\u2019t think your presence could provide such peace, did you?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try to aim for three new surfaces per week. This will help them feel better about going into unknown situations and prepare them well for when it\u2019s time to go outside. No need to go on the hunt for snow or pebbles for them to walk on at home \u2013 they\u2019ll meet those in person soon enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Get your puppy used to meeting new people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Having your friends meet your puppy is a great way for your puppy to get used to different looking people, while in the comfort of your own home. It\u2019s also a good way to make your friends like you just a wee bit more. Just joking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To ensure that things go smoothly when having your puppy meet your human friends, here\u2019s a good checklist to go through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invite just 2 people over at a time so as not to flood (or overwhelm) your puppy with too much happening all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask your guests to sit on the floor or the sofa when they come in<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your puppy will have to approach them in their own time, so make sure they know this to prevent them from crowding or picking the puppy up just yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your friends are strangers to your puppy still, so your puppy needs time to find out more about them. It makes sense, I\u2019m not sure how much you\u2019d like it if unknown people suddenly started petting you \u2013 while you\u2019re in full nude too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hand your friends a couple of treats to give to your puppy, and see if they choose to come over to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s why we like to follow these stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By giving your puppy time to figure things out for themselves (like who on Earth are these people in my living room) in their own time will help them grow more confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overloading your puppy with novelty will flood your puppy, and can potentially make them fear new people, which we don\u2019t want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When puppies get picked up, especially by strangers, it makes them feel like they\u2019re not in control. Remember last time you lost your sense of control when driving in France on the other side of the road? Yep, not so nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preventing people from having a party every time they walk through the door can help your puppy not get overly excited about visitors \u2013 not every person who comes to your house is going to love dogs (who would believe it?!) so we\u2019re sure you\u2019d want to avoid a disaster: A high pitched squawk, bags flying in the air, visitors never coming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Get your puppy to experience the outside world<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This puppy socialization exercise is all about helping them to build positive associations with the outside world. Instead of thinking of the big, red double decker buses as monsters, they\u2019ll eventually start seeing them as you do \u2013 metal boxes that although follow an inconsistent schedule, get you from A to B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies can take time to acquaint themselves with everything that lives outside, so there\u2019s no need to rush things! The goal is to boost their confidence and make them feel like they\u2019re able to walk safely among the all-weird outside things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you start:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do this puppy socialization exercise at a time where there aren\u2019t that many people out and about. Also, let\u2019s not pick a busy area like Oxford Street \u2013 which is too busy for most of us at the best of times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As always, have a good handful of treats in your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carry your puppy in your arms just outside your home onto the street. Let them take in what\u2019s going on outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watch the world go by with them from there for about 10 minutes. You might run into schoolchildren, other neighborhood dogs, seagulls, or your local milkman. Love how milkmen came back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Around every minute or so, give your puppy a treat to show them that everything is going well \u2013 especially if something really <\/em>new has gone past like your neighbor saying hello across the street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
TIPS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your puppy seems unsure about something, don\u2019t move closer to it as a way to prove it\u2019s safe because they will most likely find it overwhelming and become even more frightened about it. Instead, move further away, and try again another time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not a great idea to let your puppy on the ground unless they\u2019re fully vaccinated! It\u2019s not safe for them just yet. Find out more about when it\u2019s safe for puppies to go outside<\/a> in our guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing this every day will teach them the outside world is a positive one, and they\u2019ll be less worried when the day of proper walkies comes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Take your dog out and about<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Indeed, there are ways to take your puppy outside<\/a> while still keeping them safe before they\u2019re fully vaccinated \u2013 use a puppy carrier for outings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some places that would be great for your puppy to visit while still waiting to get their vaccinations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Vet Surgery (sure, it\u2019s not Disneyland but it will be great for them to get used to their vet) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To the park, as long as they\u2019re sat on a bench next to you at a safe distance from everyone else<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take them for coffee \u2013 don\u2019t literally give them coffee, but they\u2019ll look cute in a carrier on the seat next to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
But while we always think about being safe as being all about your puppy\u2019s vaccination status \u2013 we also want to be mindful of what\u2019s emotionally safe \u2013 so make sure not to flood them by getting them into overwhelming situations they can\u2019t cope with! Let\u2019s stay away from school as the bell goes off for home time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP:<\/strong> New situations and treats go well together. Don\u2019t forget to bring them along with you so your puppy learns that there\u2019s loads of good to be had in the outdoors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppy socialization checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll want to make a checklist of things you need to socialize your puppy with, so here\u2019s one we\u2019ve made!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tick them off as you go, and remember you\u2019ll probably need to repeat them quite a few times, so be prepared to practice patience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When working on puppy socialization, variety is key. For example, meeting babies is something you\u2019ll have to do more than once; they\u2019ll need to meet, see and hear different babies and children many times throughout the puppy socialization period in order to realize that kids aren\u2019t so scary after all. This can also be done with the help of socialization classes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know they can be in all honesty. But let\u2019s just not tell them that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Body Handling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n