Things You'll Need
- Collar & Leash
- Veterinarian
- Puppy-carrier to safely transport your puppy
Instructions
Introduce your puppy to different types of people within the controlled environment of your home. Rather than overexposing your puppy to a very large group, introduce her to individuals or small groups. Introduce her to people of all ages, different personalities (for example, quieter versus outgoing people), and people with varied vocal ranges, from very high-pitched to deep voices. Ask some of your visitors to wear hats or boots since puppies can sometimes be fearful of individuals wearing these clothing items.
Expose your puppy to potentially frightening noises within the home. Sudden, loud noises often scare dogs. Gradually introduce your puppy to equipment that could potentially scare her, such as blenders, vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers. First show her the equipment while it is turned off, then turn it on at a comfortable distance away from your puppy. CDs playing environmental noises, such as thunderstorms or emergency vehicle sirens, help acclimate puppies to these unpredictable sounds.
Take your puppy on daily outings to dog-friendly locales such as parks (not dog parks), outdoor cafes, and pet-friendly stores. This will not only give her an opportunity to adjust to different environments, but will also provide her with exercise. Regular exercise promotes physical well-being and reduces stress levels, resulting in a calmer, more self-assured puppy.
Enroll your puppy in a puppy socialization class, beginning from seven- to eight-weeks old. Puppy classes teach puppies to appropriately interact with other dogs in a controlled, safe environment, which helps them become more confident in their future encounters with other dogs.