Puppy Socialization Etiquette

Socialize Your Puppy With Different Groups

One of the most important things you can do for your puppy’s development is to provide them with opportunities for healthy socialization. Positive socialization with different types of dogs and people will help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted, friendly dog. There are many ways to help your puppy socialize. You can throw a puppy party, go to a dog park (once fully vaccinated), or even enroll your puppy in doggy daycare or puppy classes. However, there are rules of etiquette to be aware of when introducing your puppy into a new social group.

Social Group Etiquette for Dogs

Here is a checklist of items that create a good canine social group:

Health Status Verification

Make sure all dogs have updated immunizations for communicable canine diseases transmitted by coughing or close contact. Dogs should also be free of fleas and intestinal parasites. Since this is difficult to enforce in dog parks, make sure your dog is vaccinated and has a good flea and intestinal parasite prevention program that will protect him from dogs that don’t.

Temperament Assessment

Participating dogs should have compatible temperaments. Dogs participating should be well socialized and not show signs of aggression or fear of other dogs or people.

Controlled Dogs

Owners should have complete control of their dogs on leash and off. Dogs should respond to their owners’ voice cues and should respect their canine peers, providing appropriate play cues and responding to other dog’s social cues.

Compatible Level of Physical Activity

Energetic dogs enjoy physically active companions. Couch potatoes prefer calmer friends. Find a group compatible with your dog’s level of physical activity.

Potty Breaks

Pet owners should pick up and dispose of animal waste promptly. When visiting friends or attending puppy classes, elimination etiquette is essential and a dog park is not a latrine. Playtime makes dogs thirsty so find a source of fresh water or bring along bottled water and a collapsible water bowl.

Look Into Doggy Daycare For Your Dog Today

The benefits your dog could receive by going to doggy daycare are undeniable! Ensure your dog’s health and happiness by looking for a doggy daycare to enroll them in while they are young. Again, not all doggy daycares are the same, so be sure to look around to find the best match for your pet.