AKC offers tips for socializing your puppy

Entering the new year means new routines for both you and your pup. Socializing your puppy is crucial and should begin early on, as it sets your dog up to feel confident and happy throughout their life. The American Kennel Club offers the following tips for owners when socializing their puppies. • Start off slowly. Be sure to start the socialization process slowly. Expose your puppy to different people, places and things every day. Don't head straight for the dog park if your pup has not interacted with other dogs before. • Let the sniff happen. It is natural, when you enter new spaces and meet new dogs, for your pup to start sniffing around. This is their way of getting to know people and things in the home. Let them sniff to get acquainted and comfortable with their new surroundings. • Plan a play date. The best way to set up a play date for your pup is to meet up with one dog at a designated time, and to make sure that dog is well-mannered, polite and calm. This will help your pup practice around other dogs in new environments. It is best to meet up after your dog has had some exercise, so they are not overly excited when socializing. • Sign up for a class. A group training class is an excellent way to expose your pup to other humans and dogs in a structured and safe environment. There are classes ranging from socialization for puppies, to teaching older dogs basic commands. A class is also a good opportunity to develop your relationship with your dog. • Take it easy on the leash. When you run into other dogs on the street, try not to restrain your dog too forcefully on their leash. This can cause your dog to accidentally assume an aggressive posture that can be misunderstood by other dogs. A harness is a good way to reduce pulling. • Meet all kinds of dogs. It is important to expose your pup to all different types of dogs — from big, to small, from quiet to loud, and so on. If your dog has only ever interacted with the same kind of dog, it may be a surprise when they meet others. • Supervise. It is always important to supervise your dog when they are socializing. Keeping an eye on them is the best way to ensure that your dog and others are behaving appropriately and to prevent situations from arising. To learn more about responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org