Puppy Early Socialization Play (Parties!)
Ages 8 to 18 Weeks
The most important part of
early puppy socialization is the
opportunity for the puppies
to play together. Interactive
play is how puppies learn
canine social
skills. Puppies who learn
how to "talk dog" before
four months of age and
continue positive
socialization with other
friendly, socialized dogs
are less likely to be
fearful or aggressive around
new dogs throughout their
adult lives. A friendly,
relaxed adult dog can
experience the
joy of meeting new dog
friends at dog parks and dog beaches.
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It is important that the puppy play supervisor knows how to read canine body language and can narrate the play.
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The puppy play supervisor needs to be calm and relaxed at all times.
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The puppy play supervisor needs to feel comfortable (safely) "interrupting" play if the puppy's get too aroused (worked up).
Grouping Puppies
Group puppies by their
personalities more than
their sizes. Let shy puppies
warm up together and
confident puppies learn how
to take turns being top dog
in play scenarios.
If there is only one
instructor, the shy dogs can
basically be left alone with
a qualified volunteer supervisor. There is usually less action
in this group.
Praise Appropriate Behaviors
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Praise any confident
postures or attempts to
socialize with another dog.
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Interrupt any boisterous
advances on a very
frightened puppy showing no
interest in the other dog.
Allow some time to pass to
build confidence.
Don’t force shy puppies into
uncomfortable situations.
Give them time to build
confidence to want to play.
In the more active group,
some of the dogs will likely
need to stay on leash so
their inappropriate behavior
(see below) can be easily
interrupted. When they
have good “play manners”
they can play off leash.
Shy
Dogs
As the shy dogs get more confident, and the
boisterous ones
learn better manners. Put individual shy dogs
into the main play group for
short periods of careful
supervision. Prevent shy dogs from
being physically attacked,
even in play. If the shy dog is not physically
attacked, leave him with the
group so he learns to play.
It's okay if he hides.
People need to ignore the puppies so they can
focus on what's happening
with the canine play.
The goal by the end of the
puppy socialization is for
puppies to all play together
so that the little ones know
they are little and the big
ones know how to play gentle
with the little ones. Each puppy must be evaluated individually
to determine if he or she is ready
to be integrated into the
main play group.
Interrupt Inappropriate Behavior
It is only appropriate to
interfere if the puppies are
exhibiting repeated
unacceptable behavior.
Give puppies a lot of slack
at first. Interrupt a
puppy who won't leave one
alone who is giving all the
signals to "back off." Back
up that puppy's
communication. Simply pick
up puppies who are too
worked up to allow them to
calm back down.
Try to interrupt and
redirect any aggressive
behavior to teach the pup
play stops when they get too
worked up.
The dog’s natural desire to
play is the motivation to
modify his own behavior,
because inappropriate play
gets a redirection, or “time
out” for several seconds.
Controlling Unacceptable
Behavior
1. Interrupt the
behavior. Give a time out if
needed.
No punishment or scolding.
2. If the puppy
repeats the behavior, give
another time out
then allow the puppy to
resume play redirecting it
towards another puppy.
3. If the same
behavior occurs again the
puppy takes a time out in
the owners lap for the
duration of that play
session.
4. The puppy
should be allowed to play in
the next play session.
If the puppy repeats the
behavior again, suspend the
aggressing puppy in the air,
then roll it on its side on
the ground and let the other
puppies sniff all over it.
5. If the puppy
repeats again it is put in
time out on the owners lap
for the duration of the
puppy party, you may take it
for a walk or place it in a
kennel in the back.
6. Recommend a
consult with a Veterinary
Behavior Consultant
prior to the puppy attending
the next class.