Socialization

I went to Fenelon Falls yesterday to have my birthday lunch with my mom. It is a halfway point for us to meet when I go to my trailer.

I took my 10.5 week old puppy Tommie with me. I was so impressed by his ability to adapt to each new situation we were in. 

Most people believe that socialization for their dog is to meet as many other dogs in their lives and play with them as possible. This is not true. Socialization for the most part with dogs is getting out into the environment and seeing new things, hearing new sounds and smelling the scents in the grass. 

Tommie learned to sit calmly on a chair beside me while my mom and I ate pizza, and ice cream. He smelled and learned that goose poop is not for puppies and he learned that he doesn't need to meet every dog that comes his way or runs towards him. Tommie learned what it is like to put your paws in a lake, that huskies howl at other dogs and to look to me when people ask to pet him. It was a busy few hours for him but he did a fantastic job.

These are the best adventures to take your puppy on to socialize with their environment. Not to dog parks or out to meet all of your friends dogs. The world is scary, teach your puppy and or dog how to react appropriately to the world you brought them to.