Part of healthy puppy development is socializing with other dogs. Your new doodle needs a lot of love and attention and needs time to get to know other dogs. A dog that doesn't get a lot of socialization time can end up having negative interactions with other dogs as adults. Here are some tips to help you start socializing your new doodle in the first 16 weeks.
It is crucial to expose your dog to others as soon as possible. The more exposure they have to other dogs, the easier it will be to learn positive behaviors. Puppy classes are a great way to introduce your new doodle to other dogs, and professional dog trainers typically run them. Trainers have experience handling dogs with different personalities. If your dog does become stressed or overwhelmed, talk with your trainer on what steps you need to take to ensure the training remains positive.
Forcing a puppy that is stressed only makes the training worse. Some signs your pup is stressed include:
Initially, your puppy will only be around other puppies, and puppy classes are geared towards learning these behaviors. Puppies eventually need to meet adult dogs, and you can do this at a reasonably young age. Older dogs help younger dogs learn proper interactions. It is essential to socialize them with dogs that you already like and know are well-behaved.
Doodle Tip: Short sessions usually are better for puppies, so try and keep your initial interactions with other dogs brief. Avoid taking your pup to social events like your children's sporting events and crowded parks.
Your vet not only cares about the health of your pup; they have excellent resources for your puppy to live a long, happy life. We recommend scheduling your vet visits as soon as possible and discuss socialization. Some vets are concerned about diseases, which could be prevalent in your area. Before you take your pup out and start socializing, call your veterinarian to make sure it is safe for them. The most important thing you want to do is make sure your pup learns proper social behavior, and that comes from proper introduction to other people, places, and dogs.