Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time in your life. Aside from getting your home ready for your new family member your mind starts to shift to vet bills to keep your dog safe and healthy for a long time. Puppies are on a schedule for vaccinations that allows their bodies to adapt to them as they get bigger and stronger. Prior to adopting a puppy make sure to check with a local vet to set them up on a vaccination schedule. While your puppy is vulnerable to many diseases they do not have vaccinations for yet, socialization is key in this short time frame to set your dog up to be successful later on in life. There are many ways to safely socialize your puppy.
Bring them to local parks and greens and just sit with them.
Let them explore the world around them and mark and reward calm behavior. Avoid interactions at this time with new people and dogs. Just let them observe the noises and movements in the world. Start with your front yard and spend 5-10 minutes a day outside and let your puppy take in noises and scenery. It is important to reward calm behavior. Also it is a great way to start loose leash walking. The earlier the better.
Invite friends over or Take them to a trusted friends house
Make sure to include children, adults, and any other people that your dog may encounter as they get older. Go slow and at your dogs pace. If they seem nervous, anxious of fearful make sure to give them a safe space to get away and relax.
Introduction to known healthy and vaccinated friendly dogs.
This is a great way to safely socialize your puppy. If you are unsure DO NOT introduce it to other dogs. Puppies are sponges and will remember back encounters. Remember to go at your dogs pace and watch for stress signals.
Introduce to other animals (cats, birds, etc)
Same concept as with other dogs, go slow, control the environment as much as you can. Reward for calm behavior and curiosity, Make sure both animals are interested and are safe.
Take them on many car rides
This can include Vet office visits to acclimate and watch weight plus getting to know your Vet staff is crucial. Getting them use to the car will save you time and energy in the future when you want to travel with your dog. I recommend these car seatbelts and or crates for a safe way to travel with your dog, DO NOT carry your dog on your lap when traveling this may cause more anxiety,
Expose your pup to household noises, knock, doorbell, vacuum, rake, tv, blow dryers, etc. Expose with positive things, give them a Kong or lick mat while you make these noises
