Good Ways to Socialize - Please share!

[Gracie's My Girl]

We are getting our first German Shepherd puppy in a matter of weeks. We have all done the research on what they need, training, etc... In the process of doing all of this research, I have heard about a million different ways to socialize a dog. It is overwhelming because we want a dog that is good with people and other dogs, but we're not sure how to go about it in a good way. I would hate to damage the dog. I would greatly appreciate anyone's input on some easy and fun ways to socialize a puppy without overwhelming her or us. Please share!

[1sttimeforgsd]

Hello and Welcome! After your puppy has had all of his puppy shots you could take him to a baseball, soccer, or any other sport field for kids and the puppy would be exposed to lots of people of all sizes. I am sure there could possibly be other pets around also. A puppy class in your area would be a good place to socialize with other pets and would most likely be more your puppy's size which would be a good thing. Someone will come along and give you some good advice I'm sure. Good luck with your pup!

[Stosh]

I agree- a puppy class is a great way to go. My pup met another gsd at our class and they still get together and play once a week.

[Good_Karma]

No matter what you do or where you go to socialize your new puppy, make sure that you keep an eye on how he is feeling too. Is he happy and eager to explore? Is he nervous but still willing to get out there? Has he shut down completely and just praying for it all to be over so he can go back home? You want the outings to be fun and not OVERLY stressful. A little bit of stress is okay. For instance if he's not sure about that metal bridge, but is willing to follow you on it if you go first and coax him a bit. But don't pull him by the leash onto the bridge if he's not willing to go on his own.

The more positive social experiences he has, the more confident your dog will be. If you are taking him places and he is miserable and scared the whole time, you are doing more harm than good.

Good luck with your new baby!!!

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by Good_Karma

No matter what you do or where you go to socialize your new puppy, make sure that you keep an eye on how he is feeling too. Is he happy and eager to explore? Is he nervous but still willing to get out there? Has he shut down completely and just praying for it all to be over so he can go back home? You want the outings to be fun and not OVERLY stressful. A little bit of stress is okay. For instance if he's not sure about that metal bridge, but is willing to follow you on it if you go first and coax him a bit. But don't pull him by the leash onto the bridge if he's not willing to go on his own.

The more positive social experiences he has, the more confident your dog will be. If you are taking him places and he is miserable and scared the whole time, you are doing more harm than good.

Good luck with your new baby!!!

Agreed. With the exception of the last sentence. If he is miserable and scared it doesn't mean he won't overcome it after several repeat visits to the same place. If you keep coming back he will learn (however gradually) that there is nothing to be afraid of and he will adapt to the once-scary, now-boring place or situation. If you avoid going to places that once scared him you will be limiting his potential for growth and confidence.

[Cara Fusinato]

To extend things -- try starting smaller. Start with allowing play at home with your other dog or a smaller dog of a friend, coworker, family member that is good with other dogs, healthy, and supervised. This is after 2nd or ALL shots, of course. Allow some people to visit and have them bring dog treats or toys to give. Make it a really positive experience with strangers in the home. Then try a more natural outing to an area with a friendly dog and just walk together on leash. Let the other dog lead the pup up to strangers and show how it is done to meet people out and about. Not a dog park which can be chaos. Then meet people outside the home together or solo, perhaps an outdoors cafe/outside a starbucks. Progressively get into playing with other dogs or meeting larger numbers of people. Eventually, as the dog finds people and other dogs not a threat and is not aggressive towards them you can move into crowds or a pet walk type event. Just make it an ever expanding process slowly and always positively. Have a negative experience? Just move back down a little and then ramp back up. Look in the local paper/online for events you can attend with people.

[Good_Karma]

Originally Posted by PaddyD

Agreed. With the exception of the last sentence. If he is miserable and scared it doesn't mean he won't overcome it after several repeat visits to the same place. If you keep coming back he will learn (however gradually) that there is nothing to be afraid of and he will adapt to the once-scary, now-boring place or situation. If you avoid going to places that once scared him you will be limiting his potential for growth and confidence.

Yes! Good point! Thanks for bringing that up.

[Stevensondrive]

we go to petsmart several times a week
we go to a friends who has screaming children, 2 other dogs and multiple cats
when he started to get aggressive to new dogs we now take him to doggy daycare once a week

[Ruthie]

I look for any event that is dog friendly. Summers are great. So far I have taken Grizzly to a parade, a carnival, a dog fair, and down the street to watch fireworks. We are hoping to make it to a church picnic this week.

With socialization the venue isn't really that important, but the lesson is critical. Watch your dog to make sure she is having the right experience, not getting overwhelmed. Don't reward or coddle shy behavior this will reinforce to the pup that she DOES have something to worry about. Make sure YOU are displaying calm confidence. Encourage curiosity and praise investigation that is followed by a display of confidence from the puppy.