Chocolate Labrador at 8 weeks old, attending puppy training class in Mansfield, OH
Puppy Socialization
Immediately following birth, a puppy begins to learn important rules about socialization through interaction with its mom and litter. When a puppy leaves its litter at 8 weeks of age, the next 8 weeks are a critical time as lasting memories are made. Socialization begins right away and everything the puppy experiences will be new! From the first car ride, to introduction to a new home, all of the sights, sounds, and smells begin to shape your puppy and their responses to the world around them. As you begin to socialize your puppy, it is important to remember to be calm and specific about how you introduce new people, places, and things. The key to socializing your puppy is to introduce them to as many objects, sounds, new places and different ages of people (kids, elderly, etc.) as possible. Socializing a puppy is a fun and rewarding experience and when done correctly, will help your puppy to become a balanced and reliable dog!
Below is a series of steps that can be taken when introducing your puppy to something new. As an example, the vacuum cleaner will be the new object. Follow the steps below for any object.
Step 1: Call your puppy to the vacuum with cheerful, calm encouragement. Let your puppy sniff the vacuum. Tap the vacuum and encourage your puppy to continue to sniff and explore. Praise your puppy as they are sniffing. Keep the vacuum still. Be sure that your puppy is not backing away and is actively sniffing the vacuum.
Step 2: Call your puppy to the vacuum again, remembering to be calm, yet cheerful. Slowly move the vacuum back and forth, encouraging your puppy to continue to take an interest. If your puppy chases or bites the vacuum, correct them by saying “No” in a stern tone. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you see that your puppy can be close to the sweeper with good behavior. Begin to move the sweeper faster and in different directions. Praise your puppy for good behavior.
Step 3: Having a second person for Step 3 is helpful. Place a leash on your puppy and back them away from the vacuum. Tap the vacuum and gain your puppy’s attention. Turn the vacuum on and off quickly and observe your puppy’s reaction. Repeat this step until your puppy is curious, yet calm.
Step 4: Turn the vacuum on and allow your puppy to approach it. If your puppy is still calm and curious, begin to slowly move the vacuum back and forth. Praise your puppy for good behavior and correct your puppy for any unwanted behavior (biting, barking, pawing at vacuum). Repeat this step until your puppy can be around the vacuum while it is on and moving with good behavior.
Remember: If your puppy shows any signs of trying to hide or cower, or shows behaviors like barking, biting at, or pawing at the vacuum, stop and go back to the last step in which they were successful. Reward your puppy with a treat as they show interest and good behavior. Do this for several repetitions before you move on to the next step. Take things slowly and always remain calm!
