Home Socialization Quick Pointers

Introductions

• The pup can only be in your home, car, and relieving area.
• The pup is not fully vaccinated and cannot be exposed to the yard, grass, public areas, etc.
• Give the pup time to explore and check everything out safely
• Follow behind them and see what attempts they make to explore alone
• If the pup seems overwhelmed give them quiet time in their crate
• Allow interaction with family, friends, and safe family pets
• Don't swarm or overwhelm the pup, but allow social interaction

Relieving

• Give busy breaks frequently on a hard, dry surface like a road, driveway, or pavement
• Remember to clean the area with a 30:1 bleach solution before and after the pups are with you!
• Praise the pup outside right after they have busied with food, verbal praise, and petting
• Take the pup to the same spot every time
• Should be quiet and as distraction free as possible

Socialization

• Brief socialization with new noises, people, or exposures
• Less than 15 minutes
• Observe body language and behavior
• What changes did you see with a new exposure or environment?
• How quickly did it go back to their normal body language?
• Support without forcing or coddling
• Praise, praise, praise!
• The more a puppy gets rewarded the more they will offer that behavior and become confident and understand that you are looking for good behavior.
• Use food, fun toys, and a happy voice to encourage
• Praise any attempts at exploration when the puppy seems uncomfortable or nervous
• Always end on a positive note when finishing sessions.
• If the pup gets overwhelmed reward any attempt at investigating or listening to you and then end the session.
• As the pup gets older start directing the sessions more with teaching their name, walking on leash, and taking kibble politely.
• Set the expectation that listening to the handler is encouraged and desired
• Remember that pups absorb and take in their environment all the time
• A pup’s behavior might change in a positive or negative way when revisiting exposures

Worksheet

• Fill the worksheet out before returning the puppy to the boarding kennel
• Add any notes or observation you feel are necessary to help us better place the puppy with the best fit puppy raiser.
• Keep active learning sessions with you under 15minutes
• If the pup is overwhelmed make the sessions shorter
• Pick 2-3 objectives to briefly work on for success and retention
• Track any changes, improvement, sensitivities, fears, etc. so we can thoroughly assess the puppy’s temperament
• Observe the pup’s independent exploration and play time with other dogs