Puppy socialisation & Coronavirus quarantine

[hniu]

Hi everyone,

We are getting ready for a puppy, who was born end of February and will leave the breeder at the end of April. I suspect that coronavirus social distancing is going to make puppy socialisation extremely difficult. I would be very grateful for any useful tips / thoughts on this!

Thanks!

 

[JoanneF]

I'd say no, it's actually quite a good time.

Socialisation is not about everyone and every dog meeting her. Think quality, not quantity. Letting all and sundry (people and dogs) near a puppy can be overwhelming and frightening - the opposite of what you want. In normal circumstances you should control the socialisation by being selective, especially with other dogs and kids. Socialisation is not about plunging your puppy into every new experience, but rather allowing him or her to see, hear and get used to people and situations calmly and from a safe position.

There is quite a good checklist here - it wouldn't be practical, or necessary to get everything on the list but it's a good guideline and illustrates that socialisation is about more than just having a run around with other dogs. The Puppy Socialization Exposure Checklist - Whole Dog Journal

 

[hniu]

Thank you JoanneF! This is very useful!