Socialization vs. Vaccination

By Lisa Tedder, BA, CPDT-KA

APPROPRIATE SOCIALIZATION OF PUPPIES TO THE WORLD AROUND THEM WITHIN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF LIFE IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PIECE OF DEVELOPING A TRUSTING AND ACCEPTING ADULT DOG.

Among new puppy owners, "socialization" is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied processes in training; getting the timing and experience right makes all the difference! Since puppies have not completed their vaccination schedule yet, how do you accomplish this safely?

Paramount socialization guidelines:

• Be prepared with food! Positive socialization is ensured if your puppy is eating, playing with you/others and exploring.

• Keep it short! 10 minutes for busy places, 30 minutes for quiet spaces.

Direct interaction is not required! Watching from a distance and eating snacks, playing with you, or working on a chewy counts!

Tricks for safety:

• Grab a new shower curtain and use it as a picnic blanket for puppy to watch folks walking in and out of stores downtown or at a park.

• Visit stores that aren't largely frequented by dogs to let your puppy walk around. To employ an abundance of caution, wipe their feet and fanny with antibacterial wipes before getting back into the car.

Riding in a cart at store is ok, but it won’t give puppy any agency. Don't allow people to pet your puppy until you are comfortable placing them on the ground.

• Observe novel environments from your vehicle.

• Help them socialize at home! Employ a variety of feeding strategies, create an obstacle course for tactile stimulation, bring trusted friends and dogs over for visits.