So, you have a new puppy! Congratulations! This is such an exciting time, filled with learning experiences for both you new pup, and you. We’re sure you have been researching things like which food is the best, tips for potty training, and how much exercise your new companion should be getting. But have you thought about the importance of socialization and how you are going to accomplish this?
Puppies may start off seeming like they accept everything. However, to ensure you will have a confident dog for many years to come, you need to build many positive experiences early on. This will help build your pups “reference library” (thank you Maria Huntoon for the term) of good experiences which they will draw on their entire life. Without exposure to all the world has to offer, you run the risk of you pup developing fear, anxiety, or even aggression later in life.
People with beards, men wearing hats, baby strollers, someone riding a bicycle, a vacuum cleaner running, an ambulance blaring by; these are all new things to your pup. If not introduced early and with positivity, they can become triggers later in life. So don’t let them! Simply take the time to expose your pup to as many things as you can think of. If you have a busy park, try to get out at least one a week and simply sit on a bench. You would be amazed at the different things your pup will get to see that you may simply not think about.
To help you out, our friend Maria Huntoon, CBCC-KA, of Maria G. Huntoon Canine Consulting Services has put together this handy checklist you can reference. Please remember, this checklist is only a guideline, and there may be many other things you need to consider introducing your pup to.
Download the check list here: http://www.mghcanineconsulting.com/socialization-checklist.html
