Ninja Socialization

Did you get a “Quarantine Puppy”? If so, you are most likely concerned about socialization during this time of social distancing. So let’s talk...

​Socialization is not about meeting tons of random strangers and dogs. It’s about creating good experiences and exposing puppies to new environments, surfaces, and other stimuli. Yes, exposing to people/dogs is part of that but it’s only a small part. The rest comes down to building confidence and teaching the dog how to work through potential stress. Here’s 6 ways you can help socialize your new pup while still maintaining social distancing.
​

1. Exposure to new surfaces. Have your dog walk on as many different surfaces as possible. Start easy with different floors at home, pavement, grass, stones, mulch, dirt, etc. Then build up to things like walking across a board, yoga mat, tarp, cardboard, empty plastic kiddie pool or other semi normal surfaces. Last build up to surfaces that make noise or move. Surfaces such as bubble wrap or a sheet on top of aluminum foil.
2. Exposure to sounds. Look up sounds on YouTube like storms, fireworks, baby sounds, warehouse sounds, etc. Play them while you are playing with the pup or while they are eating. Start with the volume really low and gradually increase the volume. This will help to create positive associations with those sounds and help normalize them.
3. Find novel objects like statues, holiday decorations and other things that may be scary and create a positive association. Don’t force the pup to go straight up to it. Instead, walk in a curve and slowly get closer and closer. As you get close, toss treats towards the object so the pup is enticed to get closer but is never forced.
4. Hangout on your driveway on nice days while all the people/dogs are walking by. This helps the pup learn that people and dogs are not scary and nothing bad will happen. Be sure to have lots of high value treats available. Every time a person/dog walks by, give your pup lots of treats. This will also help with focus work later on.
5. Play dress up. You or your family members can dress up in funky hats, costumes, hair styles, etc. This will help prepare your pup for the world of unique personalities and styles.
6. Build confidence through training. Most dogs with behavior issues, lack confidence. If a dog is confident, they are likely to be able to work through the stress of new dogs/people. Cloud K9 Academy is offering online fusion program to help ensure your pup grows into a happy well behaved dog. For more information, visit HERE.

Remember keep things fun. The idea is to build confidence, not force the puppies into uncomfortable situations. If you notice your pup is stressed, back off and try again later at a slower pace. Also, be sure to download our FREE Puppy e-Book available HERE.

---