If only we could have social media for dogs.  You could doom scroll with your puppy on the couch, laugh at the funny things the puppy influencers were doing and just enjoy the music they add to their videos. Your puppy could see other dogs are all scary and maybe even want to meet a pup or two.  Unfortunately, there is no puppy social media which would really help.

When people get a puppy one of the things they get concerned with is socialization of their puppy.  We all know it’s important to socialize your puppy but we have been taught the wrong way for so long.  So often we take a puppy to a dog park and just let it run around, that can scar a dog for life.  We let our puppies greet every dog walking down the street with good intentions, again this could scar your dog for life.  Every dog has it’s own personality and we need to respect that.  

To start this process, take your pup to the vet and get the proper vaccinations. Your vet will let you know when it is safe for your puppy to be around other dogs you don’t know.   Have your puppy have a check up to make sure your puppy is healthy and nothing hidden.  A puppy could have gotten injured from a litter mate and have a sore spot which they don’t want touched.  If you bring a puppy to a place where dogs could play rough and your dog is reinjured they will see that place and other dogs as scary and they hurt them.  Just like us when we are not feeling well we don’t want someone jumping on us to get us to play.

When you are walking your puppy do not greet every dog.  Even if your dog is friendly, the other dog may not be.  You don’t know what the other dog has been through.  They may have been attacked but the same breed as your dog and the other dog may try to defend itself from your dog.  Give them space but make it a positive experience for your puppy, don’t pull your puppy away try to distract your puppy. 

Safe ways to socialize is a  puppy class with a professional dog trainer.  They can watch for body language and keep things positive.  In the class they can play and try new things which is great for your puppy.

Another way is to set up play dates with friends with friendly dogs.  The best way is to find a neutral place such as a park and bring the puppies together that way.  Let the puppies take their time to greet each other.  Keep the leash loose but so they don’t feel you tensing. When you walk towards the other dog curve so you are not walking directly at the dog.  That is a signal you are no threat.  Watch for any changes in either of the dogs body language that looks like stress.  If you see tension slowly keep walking away so they don’t touch then try again another time. 

Every interaction should be a good one even if you walk away from another dog.  Your dog needs to learn that other dogs can be good.  If you ever have a bad interaction look for signs in your puppy to see if they are scared of all dogs.  If they are scared of other dogs seek a professional dog trainer to help you.