Socialization - OK, but how do you do it

Most puppy owners have heard how important it is to
socialize their puppies.

At the same time, they get very little information on how to do that or they get unrealistic direction. For instance, one dog writer recommended a puppy get one new experience every day for 100 days. That's fine but pity the poor working puppy owner who can't devote 100% of his time to his puppy.

Instead, concentrate on two goals for the first 9 months of your puppy's life: 1) introduce him to as many different types of people as possible and 2) introduce him to things, noises and environments in a non-threatening way.

For the first, it's easy to meet people and everyone counts. For example, if you're home when the mail carrier comes, pick up your puppy and welcome the mail carrier.

Let your puppy sniff (while he's safely in your arms) and let the mail carrier or UPS guy or meter reader or whomever comes to your dog make a fuss over your puppy. If the person will cooperate, have them give your puppy a treat or toy (which you've supplied of course).

Many places such as restaurants do not allow pets inside; however, restaurants that have outdoor seating, such as Starbucks, often permit dogs outside as long they're on a leash and with their owners.

Put your puppy in a hands-free, front carrier, like the type you use for babies, and take him with you to the mall. He can walk through PetsMART or Petco with you.

Be sure he meets older people, adults of both genders and all races, children, and babies. Make a special effort to introduce him to people in wheelchairs and people in uniforms. These two often intimidate dogs that haven't met when they were puppies.

Should he meet other pets? Yes, but make sure they are healthy as well as being trained and under control. However, it's much more important for a dog to get along with humans.
If he doesn't, his life and your insurance may be at jeopardy.

The second element is to make sure the initial meeting of new objects is a secure, safe one for your puppy. Even a vacuum cleaner with its loud noise can startle and scare a puppy.

Start our by having the vacuum out but not in use. Let puppy sniff and scope it out. Keep it out and start it but then turn it off. The key is to let puppy get used to something.

A common mistake is to try to calm a frightened puppy by picking him up and showering him with consolations. This will only heighten his fear and reward him by getting so much attention from you when he cowers.

Always react in a matter-of-fact way without saying anything to your puppy. If he seems frightened of the working vacuum cleaner, turn it off and put it away without saying anything.

Give him a minute or so before you pay attention to him. Try it again a day later. Again, stop if he seems fearful but try it again the next day. He will get used to it!

Remember, your dog will mirror every emotion you have. Make sure you aren't reinforcing his fear.