If you’re a brand new puppy owner, interacting with your puppy is vital. It’s not only about getting your puppy familiar with people and other dogs and other dogs, but also ensuring that they get plenty of positive and diverse experiences to aid them in becoming confident and happy adults.

The fundamentals

There’s”critical socialisation” for puppies. It’s the time between four and 16 weeks old. This is the time when it is crucial to provide your pet dog an enjoyable and diverse experience (including various sounds, sights as well as smells, surfaces and abilities) that can help them adapt to these situations even when they’re older.

The RSPCA suggests rewards-based training in every aspect of dog training. This is when the dog is trained to be successful and then rewarded for displaying the behavior that is considered to be good (for instance, by giving the reward of a treat).

Other dogs and people

It is essential that your puppy interact with other dogs and puppies or dogs in a positive and safe manner. Puppy schools are a fantastic way to do this. It’s typically targeted at puppies aged between the ages of 11-18 weeks old. Its purpose is designed to coincide with the crucial socialization period, while also making sure that the puppies are protected with their regular vaccinations.

When your veterinarian informs you that your puppy is at an age in their vaccination regimen that is considered safe, you can also bring your puppy to play and get together with your family and friends as well as their dogs at their or your home. Be sure that all dogs are well-behaved and current with their vaccinations. Pet parks are an excellent option after your dog is completely immunized (you can find our advice on pet parks that are off leash in our Knowledgebase).

Surfaces, sightings and sounds

Your puppy will be exposed to a wide range of different things, sounds and sights throughout their life and it’s good for everyone to get them as comfortable with as many of them as they can.

A great way to get your puppy with new people is get dressed up! Dress up with winter clothes including sunglasses, a wide brimmed capes, scrubs similar to an animal veterinarian, masks beards, wigs and umbrellas and helmets – whatever you own. You can even play different scenarios such as a delivery man who is coming to your house or someone on the bicycle. The idea behind this is to introduce your puppy to these situations and then give them treats and praise whenever they behave appropriately in front of a new person.

When your dog has the opportunity to go out and about, they’ll encounter surfaces such as grass, concrete, metal leaves, tiles wooden flooring and pavement. It is possible to recreate these surfaces for an ‘experience walk’ in your backyard, to get your puppy accustomed to the different surfaces.

Dogs are incredibly sensitive of hearing. You could also make steps to introduce your puppy to the various sounds they’ll hear in their daily lives. There are a lot of videos available online that to play with your puppy (like the sounds of cars, appliances and motorbikes, trains or barking dogs) Keep the volume at a low level and don’t forget to give your puppy a reward for calming and calm behavior.

Experiences and skills

Also, you should get your puppy used to and used to handling with regular, gentle touches to areas such as their feet, ears or mouth and tail. This will assist you in inspecting your dog for routine check-ups as well as when you make an appointment with the vet. Always remember that the aim of rewarding your dog for his calm behavior to ensure that the interaction stays positive.

You could also help your puppy get used to being in the car, even if you’re not going anywhere, you just start the engine and make several excursions across the driveway. It is also possible to offer your puppy a small portion of their meals inside the car in order for them to build positive relationships.

There are many sources – as well as some suggestions for socialising your puppy, even during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Knowledgebase. Congratulations on the arrival of your puppy!