Good socialization can maximize your puppy’s potential
If you want a well adjusted puppy you can take anywhere, that starts with knowing your puppy, and training habits you like.
A puppy’s socialization window begins to close at around 12 weeks of age. (if you’re concerned about health/immunity, check out The https://avsab.org/ ‘s position statement)
While socialization classes and play groups can be great, they need to be run by a trainer who considers all puppies attending, and they don’t address shaping life skills in the environment or location they’re needed.
Simply taking your puppy along on activities or to places you go to can backfire and overwhelm them. Your goal, and your trainer’s goal , should be to carefully study your puppy and ensure they’re kept comfortable and feel safe throughout all aspects of their life(so they can learn that normal life, people, dogs = safe); while that may sound simple enough, being able to gauge a puppy’s comfort through observation can be tricky.
Careful and strategic socialization is an investment in your collective future together.
Some common places that you may want your puppy to feel comfortable:
- Veterinarian/Veterinary exams
- Coffee Shop Table
- Ferry rides
- Sitting at a park bench
- Farmer’s market
- Staying and visiting at a stranger’s home
- Waiting on leash around other dogs
- Remaining calm around playing children
- Sitting in different crates and at different locations
Malli Hutchings is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer located on the Southern End of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
