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Socializing a New Puppy

There's so much to do with a new addition to the family, and you've heard how important socialization is. Make sure your puppy meets a lot of people, everyone says, and see that he’s introduced to dogs for lots of play dates. Fortunately, you've enrolled in a group puppy class and you've got some plans for the park, so you're all set, right? Right? Maybe not.

Socialization is a deceptively simple name for a complex psychological and physiological stage of development which will affect the rest of your dog's life, influencing everything from his reaction to fireworks to his comfort at the vet clinic to his ability to relax while you travel on vacation (whenever that happens again). It’s a hugely important, and hugely misunderstood, period and process. But the good news is, it doesn't have to be complicated to address! A little thoughtful planning and some foundational training will prepare your puppy to adapt to human society and all its quirks, with an open mind ready to learn best behavior.

This presentation will cover the science of socialization and will debunk some common myths which can actually hinder your puppy’s learning. We’ll learn why socialization is even more important than manners training (but why it’s perfectly fine, and not too hard, to do both at once) and why it’s available for such a limited window in puppy development, lending urgency. We’ll address the behavioral benefits of socialization, the three foundational exercises to train to simplify your socialization process, simple approaches to broad socialization, and how to set up an intentional socialization session (and what to do if something goes wrong!). Plus, learn how playtime, though often neglected as a socialization technique, can be one of your most powerful learning tools.

We’ll also talk about balancing the need for socialization with the caution of handling in public a puppy who has not completed vaccinations, with some best practices to promote health and safety while taking advantage of that prime socialization window.

In addition, there will be discussion of how to apply similar techniques to help an adult dog who did not receive appropriate socialization as a puppy, and what results one can reasonably expect.

This presentation is presented by Laura VanArendonk Baugh CPDT-KA KPA-CTP, author of the bestselling Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out and Social, Civil, and Savvy.

Watch the Video Trailer with Sample Clips: