SOCIALISE YOUR PUPPY USING POSITIVE METHODS AND BUILD A RESILIENT DOG!

How do I Socialise my Puppy Correctly?
You’ve probably heard from neighbours, friends and family that you need to socialise your puppy. This is good advice, however, you have to proceed with caution. Puppy socialisation is often misunderstood and if done incorrectly, you could do more harm than good! Angela from Positive Pooch Solutions explains when and how to socialise your puppy using positive methods.

A socialised dog is all the more an enjoyable companion. Your canine friend will be welcome in far more places, environments, and situations with people and other dogs if they are socialised and taught basic manners.

Why socialise your puppy using positive methods?
A well-socialised dog is comfortable in all situations in our modern daily life. The most important thing you can do for a puppy is to introduce them to the world in a positive way by using proven techniques that reinforce calm behaviour. Socialisation using positive methods will set your puppy up for success and they will develop into a well-adjusted dog for life.

You do this by providing your puppy with as many as possible positive experiences with people, new things and other animals while making sure you protect them from negative experiences at all times.
 
When to socialise your puppy?
The sooner you start the better! Behaviourists, veterinarians and trainers do not recommend waiting until your puppy has had all of its’ shots. You have a much greater chance of developing severe behaviour problems than your puppy getting sick. Your puppy should be protected from Parvo and other diseases though, before going out and about in strange places.

The facts are that the risk of a dog being surrendered because of a behaviour problem is far greater than the risks of your pup contracting a disease.

You’ll need to avoid public places until your pup has been fully vaccinated but you can start to socialise your puppy using positive methods from the time they are brought home. Carry them in your arms (or try a pack or baby carrier, or a pet buggy) or just sit in the car in a parking lot and allow them to get used to noises, smells and seeing lots of people, animals, vehicles, bikes, skateboarders etc. Feed your puppy treats for being calm. Always start from a distance and if your puppy is showing signs of being anxious, don’t go closer until they calm down. You should watch your pup’s body language for signs of stress such as lip licking, lowered head and body posture, ears back, tail tucked, looking away, a shake off, sigh, yawn. If you see these signs your puppy is saying it is not okay. Try adding more distance. Also If your dog is shy, worried, or overly excited, leave the situation and work with a positive training professional who can help both of you. If your dog is happy, comfortable and having a blast, you’re doing a great job of socialising them.

Angela’s tips on how to socialise your dog using positive methods to...

Noises
• Prevent noise phobia, (eg. fear of thunder – boom = treat), by feeding your puppy a treat every time the noise happens.
• Introduce slowly from a distance to frightening sounds such as the vacuum, lawn mower, garbage truck, hair dryer etc.
• Gently exposing your puppy to different noises will help build their resilience and cope later.
• Introduce the sounds at their own pace and only from a distance they are comfortable.
• Never force your dog at any time!
• Avoid frightening situations, such as fireworks, unless you are there to turn it positive.
People
• Introduce your dog to all kinds of people by letting your puppy approach and at their own pace, only if and when they wants to.
• Associate new people with wonderful things such as treats and toys.
• Ensure puppies are gently and positively exposed to different people.
• People should ask before approaching.
• Learn to read and check your dog’s body language during interactions with adults and kids.  If your puppy is not comfortable then don't let them approach just yet.
• Feed your puppy treats during these interactions.

Other Animals
• Always check that the other animal is friendly and tolerant of dogs before you let your dog approach (don’t take the other owner’s word for it! Check both dog’s body language first and if there is a doubt, then don’t introduce them)
• Teach your dog how to act politely around other animals by rewarding for good behaviour. Redirect your puppy to focus on something else like food, a food puzzle or toy if he becomes pushy or overly excited
• If your dog doesn’t want to play with dogs (unfamiliar or known), that’s okay!
• Don’t ever force interaction between your puppy and another dog or another animal like a cat.
• Supervise every interaction and intervene gently if the play between your puppy and the other puppy becomes one-sided or too much for the puppy.
• Find other dogs that are fully vaccinated.

Things
• Introduce your puppy to lots of surfaces – gravel, tile, concrete, carpet, plastic, rubber, grass, snow, and sand etc
• Take rides in a car, boat, train, bus, elevator.
• Introduce different objects to them eg. toys
• Get them used to a car harness and to walk on a lead
• Teach your puppy to be comfortable with gentle handling by praising and rewarding them with treats for being calm and allowing you to handle them. A must for tick checks, vet checks, grooming, ear cleaning, nail clipping, teeth cleaning – visit the vet and the groomer just for treats and petting to start.