How to Socialize Your Puppy or Kitten
Getting a puppy to the family and having them around all the time is exciting and fun to think of. However, just like our babies, you have to take care of their all-around development for better growth and health. They should build their skills and eating habits so that they can be better adjusted to live with humans and avoid any discomfort for them or us. When we talk about building and developing skills, their skill of socializing is an essential part of their development to ensure they are friendly and confident when they grow up as an adult.
Though regular visits to the pet clinic in Murrieta, CA a necessary step of their routine for professional guidance, to teach them the skills of socializing, you need to train them at home so that your bundle of happiness becomes a lovable dog as an adult is also very important. Read this blog to learn ways you can help your puppy adapt to various environments and people.
Steps To Help Your Puppy Socialize Your Puppy –
Familiarize Them with New People
Start by introducing people of various ages and appearances who also have a pet or even if they do not love a puppy. This will make it natural for them to positively impact them because of treats and toys. Their gentle petting and kind gaze will help your puppy believe that people are friendly and they are safe with them.
Exposure to Different Environments
Bring them to various places that have different moods and ambiances like parks, cafes, quiet streets, and busy streets with traffic, this will make them used to various types of sounds, sights, and smells too. Do not overwhelm them, and keep the whole trip positive with treats and encouragement.
Let Them Meet Other Dogs
Training them to behave in front of a dog only introduces them to vaccinated dogs in a place where you will be able to control the situation if something happens, like a dog park or playground. Also, let them meet other animals like Vata again in a controlled condition to avoid any mishaps.
Handle Them With Care
Whenever you are grooming them, handle them carefully to win their trust, and regularly check up with the vet and follow their instructions to help them get accustomed to touching and grooming and also about going to the vet.
Give Them Treats
Whenever they handle any situation nicely, make sure you reward them with a snack treat or toys. You can also increase their playtime to encourage them to do good.
What You Should And Should Not Do
In the initial days when you bring them home, start practicing socializing skills so they adapt early, and make sure you keep the experience positive, as in a gentle pet or treat and toys. Keep an eye on their behavior and their body language in case of stress and discomfort. If you think that some methods are not working and you do not know what to do, sometimes consult a dog trainer or veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed. If you see that they are scared of certain situations, do not force them to do so, and do not expose them to too many new experiences that will overwhelm them.
Do not punish them when they are scared or hesitant to do something, even if it is helpful for them. Treat them gently and guide them carefully to get used to us around. Maintain a routine of regular checkups and take them to a behavior expert or dog trainer to manage their aggression from a small age to avoid further problems.
If you take in a street puppy, it will be harder for you to train them rather than the one who is trained and groomed for this, so be extra patient with them because they will trust you a lot.