ONE OF THE WORST MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE WITH A PUPPY

Puppies are fun and having one can be an incredibly rewarding experience. As trainers, we see new puppy owners come to puppy class with lots of questions and genuinely wanting to do the very best they can for their dogs. Sometimes, though, we hear different stories from people who are struggling with their dog’s separation anxiety, fear behaviors, reactivity, and even aggression.

Delaying socialization is a common denominator in many cases of behavior problems. Unfortunately, some veterinarians even recommend keeping puppies away from most socialization until the puppy has fully been fully vaccinated. That sounds like safe, healthy advice, right? Except, a puppy’s primary socialization window is closed well before a puppy is able at 16 weeks to get a rabies vaccination.

Even the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a position statement stating:

“The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.” 

There are many ways to limit the physical health risk to your puppy without sacrificing their mental health in the process.

What does this mean? It means taking your puppy to a well-run puppy class, like ours, and making time each day of your puppy’s young life to expose them to new, interesting, and safe things. It means visiting the dogs of family and friends that you know to be well-mannered and healthy.

Definitely do not take your young pup places where you cannot be sure of their physical and mental well being, like dog parks.

If you would like a step by step guide to assisting your 8-12 week old puppy in socialization and acclimating to their new home, purchase this workbook, Raise Your Puppy Resilient, written by Amy Garabedian, owner of Sit Means Sit Metro Detroit specifically for this purpose and to avoid this mistake.

Or, sign up for our latest session of puppy classes, get a private lesson to help you on your way, or both!