Things You'll Need:
- Patience
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Step 1
Calm puppy in their in-house comfort zoneIn House – Comfort Zone Socialization
Your puppy’s first comfort zone, outside their original litter, will be you, your family and your home. Hopefully you have been working on noises in and outside your house; as well as introducing them to new people coming and going from your home.
Lawnmowers, leaf-blowers, vacuum cleaners, car rides, strangers and weather are usually a puppy’s first “boogey men.” Familiarity with those sights, sounds, and smells will as a rule, desensitize them.
Stay calm. Act non-chalant. Don’t be dramatic; just calmly tell them what a good boy or girl they are, only when they remain calm. DO NOT REINFORCE NERVOUSNESS! Remember, your puppy is constantly watching your response to “scary” things, to learn how they should respond. -
Step 2
Confident puppies exploring the real world!The Real World
Check with your veterinarian to make sure your puppy is current with their inoculations. If your vet says yes, then take them out to explore their new world. In a calm, positive manner introduce them to other dogs, new people, motorcycles, skateboards, bikes, baby carriages, shopping carts, wheelchairs, walkers, and dog parks, just to name a few.
Common puppy inoculation schedule:
6 to 7 weeks old: First combination vaccines could include: Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Coronavirus Distemper, Parainfluenza, Canine Adenovirus
9 weeks old: Second combination vaccines
12 weeks old: Third combination injection. If need be, Lyme Disease inoculation
14 - 16 weeks old: Last combination vaccines, and Bordetella inoculations
12 to 26 weeks old: Rabies vaccine. (local and state laws concerning rabies inoculation vary. Your veterinarian will schedule an appointment for the rabies inoculation and booster)
No doubt, your puppy will be watching you for cues as to whether everything is OK or not. The best way to have a well-adjusted puppy is to ignore them when they are nervous or scared. If you know they are in no danger, do not pamper them! That only creates serious behavior problems later on. If you act non-chalant and confident, your puppy will follow your lead. Your objective is to have a puppy that is confident, not nervous and panicky!
Calmly, just as if they are in their own living room, tell them what a good boy or girl they are. That should be enough reassurance to qualm their uneasiness.
If you want a well-adjusted, well-mannered pup, finding a positive reinforcement, punishment-free Puppy Kindergarten and/or Socialization class near you, should be a priority. -
Step 3
Dog park adventures!Bottom line: If you remain calm, your puppy will soon associate new experiences as something exciting and positive. In the end, you will have a puppy confident and comfortable in his or her own skin. Mission successfully accomplished!
