Puppy socialization: meeting other puppies

Socialization is very important for the later life of a dog. Only if you provide a puppy with competent socialization, he will grow up safe for others and self-confident.

However, do not forget that the time of socialization is limited in most puppies to the first 12 – 16 weeks. That is, in a short time, the baby needs to be introduced to many things. And one of the most important components of a puppy’s socialization is meeting other puppies.

How to make these meetings useful for all participants? Perhaps you should heed the advice of the world famous dog trainer Victoria Stilwell.

6 Tips for Meeting Other Puppies to Socialize Your Puppy by Victoria Stilwell

1. Make sure that when meeting with another puppy, the leashes of both babies are sagging. In no case do not pull the leash and do not let the leash get tangled!
2. Let the puppies sniff each other. Thus, dogs receive information about the age, gender and emotional state of the “interlocutor”.
3. If the puppies seem relaxed and happy with the interaction after the first few minutes, you can throw the leashes on the ground, but don’t remove them completely yet. After a while, you can remove the leashes.
4. Watch the body language of the puppies, do not overexcite. As soon as the play becomes too violent or rough and at least one of the participants stops enjoying it, it is worth interrupting this process and pausing until the puppies calm down and can again interact comfortably and safely. Switch the puppy’s attention to yourself for a while. Do not allow the puppy to have negative associations regarding communication and games with relatives.
5. The main task of a puppy’s communication with other puppies is the acquisition of a positive experience of communication and games with fellow puppies, honing the ability to “speak” in the “native language”. Don’t forget this for a second.
6. From time to time switch the puppy’s attention to yourself, then let him play again. This way you teach your baby that even when playing with relatives, he must respond to your call, and this does not necessarily mean the end of the fun.

You can learn more about raising and training a puppy with humane methods on our video course “An obedient puppy without the hassle”.