Socializing your puppy

While I was studying to be a dog trainer I learned extensively about socializing dogs. I can't convey the large amount of knowledge here in a short blog post or even in a single lesson. What I will be covering today is summary of some things and a condensed version of others. If your raising a puppy for a certain job you will need to contact me directly or put it on my facebook page. 

Socializing your dog is generally speaking taking your dog out and exposing him or her to variable scenarios. Introducing new things and experiences in order to amplify your dogs confidence and help them develop without fear of the world around them.


Some of you worry about what may happen when you are socializing your puppy. The most common fear is will they come down with some random malady. When your puppy has not finished its round of shots you do have to protect them or they certainly can come down with something possibly fatal. The benefits to your puppy Vastly outweigh the negatives in my eyes because of the amount of control that you can exert over them when they are going somewhere. When a puppy grows from 8 weeks to 12 weeks the puppy isn't really afraid of anything and it would take a rather extreme issue in most puppies minds in order for them to become wary of something. After this short window they will begin to become suspicious of things, people, or other animals.


When your choosing places to take your new furry friend remember that they can become overloaded and stressed. If you take them somewhere that is busy or chaotic then they will have a shorter amount of time to take it all in before they need to leave or could become too overloaded and create stress issues. Signs of stress are a puppy licking their lips repeatedly or yawning. More obvious ones like shaking or cowering could present themselves too but don't swoop in right away and evacuate with your puppy just give them a moment to recover. If you are going around other dogs you should be mindful of the other dog and be cautious. Be certain that they do not touch lots of  random dogs and puppies. DO NOT TAKE THEM TO DOG PARKS. When you expose a puppy to the dog park they have a Far greater chance to get sick. Many people don't have vaccinations on their dogs or they are not up to date and could harm your puppy. If your puppy is small enough then carrying them around and letting people pet them is a good idea and I be sure to watch my facebook page to find out about things going on in your area that your dog and you would want to do. 

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Adam Madore 
professional dog trainer with 
Artisan dog training
Lexington / Nicholasville