Puppy Socialization at Home

It's a challenge when you cannot leave your house and yard to socialize your puppy!  Here are some ideas:
If you have kids, play dress up, have them wear their costumes from years past, wear silly hats and glasses around the house.

Go on Youtube and download and play sounds for your puppy to hear.  Here is a link to my favorites:  Puppy Sounds Play List

Get in your car and go for a ride!  Park outside near the stores that are open and let your puppy observe the surroundings!  Drive to a park and sit in the car, letting your dog watch the birds and sounds of the parks.    Calm car rides are an essential part of the socialization process. While many cities are on lock down, you can always take your puppy to the a grocery store parking lot and allow your puppy to observe people at a safe distance. While you may not allow anyone to pet your puppy, you can teach your him/her how to focus their attention on you (watch me!) in the midst of distractions.

With limited access to shopping we are all online shopping! We are all getting lots of deliveries! Teach your puppy how to calmly go to the door and politely wait to accept those packages. Put your puppy on leash to prevent bolting outside and use your best training treats to encourage a sit/stay at the door. Your puppy will learn to love men and women in uniforms!

Now is also a great time to work on cooperative handling, getting your puppy used to handling at the vet, grooming, nail trims, etc.  Using a Lickimat is a great way to keep puppy mouths busy while you practice. 

Virtual learning, we can do that!  Follow us on Facebook for information on upcoming Zoom classes!

Use the materials at your home like cardboard, rugs, yoga mats, towels, cookie sheets, ladders, flagstones, bubble wrap, or even an x-pen to lure your puppy over these odd/new surfaces for mental and physical stimulation.


Now is a great time to crate train!