The goal is for the puppy to
show no fear or trepidation
around new situations.
If introduced before 3 months
of age, most puppies show no
fear, and this is good.
If the pup
does show fear, do not
try to comfort, as this
soothing talk and stroking is
perceived as praise and may
increase the fearful behavior.
The correct response is to
ignore the fear, and YOU
approach the object and act
relaxed. If still fearful, move
away until the pet is acting
friendly and confident again.
Then act very relaxed. Move
slowly closer and praise in a
happy tone any movement by the
puppy toward the object.
Once
the pup shows no fear in the
situation, you can check it
off the list. Continue
socialization throughout the
first year of life. Try for
multiple contacts for each
category.
Gently examine ears, teeth,
paws, tail, when the pup is
relaxed. Offer treats.
Put pup up on a table until
relaxed, then put down
Sidewalk mail box
Horses (Keep him so her safely
on a leash)
Wheelchair
Vacuum cleaner
Inside a pet friendly store
Crowd (e.g. Mall or Theatre
exit area, if not fearful of
people)
Accept touched by a cat (cat
must be willing or apathetic)
Playful with another dog
Give a firm hug for a slow
count of 10 (Start with 2 and
work up. No Fear!)
Go for a walk wearing a "Head
Halter"
Dog obedience class
Baby stroller
Dog show
Tunnel (Hint, you go through
first if convenient.)
A
puppy needs many positive
experiences before
4
months of age to promote a
confident, friendly adult
personality.
Count out 10 "Sit for
a cookie" dog treats. The idea
is to find 10 new people to ask
your puppy to sit for each
treat.
Mail Person (Hint, give the
Mail Person a treat 3 days in a
row)
Youth on roller blades
Delivery person
Person wearing a hat
Person holding an umbrella
Person in a costume (unusual
clothes)
Friendly Person
Friendly Person
Friendly Person
Friendly Person