How do i socialize my puppy?

Question

my dog had puppies on the 1st and 2 were to big and could not be born the surviving puppy is now 28 days old. she can walk, run, bark and her teeth are almost in all the way. she has no siblings to play with and i want her to be socialized how would i go about doing this and when? what would be best for her?

Answer 1

There is so much more to socialization than has been mentioned in the previous posts. I found the most complete and exhaustive information on the following web site: http://members.tripod.com/~Jerrier/Temperament.html

It is all good information, but, specific measures to socialize a puppy begin in the section headed "Early Socialization". It starts with day one of a pup's life and goes through the first twelve months! I used these techniques with a litter of 6 Great Dane puppies that my female whelped and made sure to give a copy of it to each owner that adopted one of these puppies no matter at what age they were placed.

My puppies are now two years old and the owners are thrilled with the gentle giants they have become.

Answer 2

I would not recommend a dog park yet, because you have no idea how other people's dogs will act. You want to make sure all her interactions are %100 positive, because a bad experience with a strange dog could make your dog fearful instead. Go to a local vet or Petsmart Puppy class as soon as you puppy has all it's shots, be careful of parvo...and have friends come and visit a lot. Let the puppy come to them and have your friends give it a pat or treat so it learns that people are nice.

Answer 3

Handle your puppy and play with her as much as possible. Get her used to the sounds and sights of your home, such as the vacuum cleaner, the TV/radio, hairdryer etc. etc. In your own yard, let her walk on grass, cement, gravel etc. and introduce her to steps (be careful she doesn't fall though), doorways etc.

She shouldn't be out and about in the 'real world' until she's had her vaccinations, the first set are due when she's around 6 weeks old. Once she's had one or two sets you could take her out with you if she's in a dog carrier, or push her around a petstore in a cart (lined with her own blanket), but don't let her come in contact with ground where other dogs have been in case she picks up a virus/bacteria.

Once she's had all her shots you can start more varied socialization experiences. For lots of free tips, advice and information on how to properly socialize a puppy see the url below.

Good luck with her, and congratulations on recognizing how important socialization is for her.

Answer 4

Let the puppy become a couple weeks old. Then, expose him/her to other dogs besides its mother.
For example, if you have friends or family with dogs let the puppy play with them.
Finally, once the dog gets to the stage where you can take it for walks, take it to a dog park. That way the dog can socialize and won't be too afraid of people either.
Plus, non-private training classes with other dogs is good too!

Good luck...hope I helped a little.

Answer 5

How do i socialize my puppy ?
Take her to Russia !!

I just couldn't help myself !! ☼

Actually, if you give her enough time, love, and affection -- there shouldn't be any need to "socialize" her for awhile
--- But, somewhere before she is like five or six months
of age -- she will need to start being around another dog
or two to get some "imprinting" going on ---- this can be
by way of animals belonging to friends OR by visits to the
park and some friendly associating activities there --- but,
as a companion dog -- there isn't going to be a major need
of this animal being "pack conscience" in any manner than
what comes naturally by instinct !!
Sorry about the "Russia" thing !! ☺ < this guy is a lunatic !!

Answer 6

check your neighborhood for puppy classes. I know a place where it is actually just young puppies, so they can get socialized. Another good way is look at neighbors that have younger dogs and have them play. IF those won't work try going to a dog park or a place where many dogs are walked if you go to a dog park, go to the "small" dog section that way, it doesn't get to scared of the big dogs. good job trying to socialize your dog... its a huge step

Answer 7

Check and see if your town has a local dog park for her to run around in. This is a great idea for socializing young puppies, and they normally separate the areas by large dogs and one for little dogs so she'll be safe. my dog's been going for a while and has so many little doggy friends there, she loves it. Another good idea would be taking her on long walks in social areas like anywhere near a park or rec center. Good luck =]

Answer 8

I would say first get a friend to come over, and see how the puppy reacts. Then if bad teach the puppy. If good then try some more friends just to make sure!

Answer 9

I brought my dog to a puppy kindergarden, they helped with training and there were other dogs she could run around with. I did this because we have no other dogs adn when she saw other dogs i did want her to be violent. now she is a grat dog, very friendly, adn is not the aggressor with other dogs. Ask your vet if they have apuppy kindergarden, or if they know of one in the area that has one, this might help socialize your dog!!!

Answer 10

Find another neighbor who has a dog close to your's age. See if they will let your puppy play. Or go to parks where you know people walk their dogs.