Socializing Foster Puppies
Foster puppies out shopping
I have been fostering puppies for nearly 6 years. I am also a certified dog trainer which gives me an advantage. I wanted to share some puppy socialization tips with you to help with your fostering.
Puppy Socialization
When we are talking about puppy socialization, we are talking about puppies that are between 3 weeks and 16 weeks of age. Often times when people hear “puppy socialization”, they think of puppies interacting with one another. Yes, that is part of it but there is so much more that goes into it. When we talk about puppy socialization, we are talking about exposing the puppy to new experiences. These experiences come in the form of new places, sounds, surface textures, people, body handling, and sights. We are exposing them to the world. These experiences will be important for the puppy as they enter into adolescence and adulthood. The more positive experiences at a young age, the better chance they have at being comfortable in new situations as an adolescent and adult.
How to Socialize a Puppy
Socializing a puppy doesn’t mean that you just bring them out in the world and hope they are comfortable; it means that you do your best to make sure that they have positive experiences. In order to do our best to make sure that they are having positive experiences, the following should be done:
Watch their body language. An upset puppy may do one or more of the following: try to get further away from the situation, hide, crouch low, tucked tail, or stiff body. Some puppies may show aggressive behaviors when upset, barking, growling, lunging, and snapping. If your puppy shows any of these types of behaviors, get them out of the situation immediately. The best thing to do is to remove them so they don’t become more upset.
Pair the experience with really good-tasting treats. For example; the puppy is meeting a new person. Once the puppy looks at the person, give the puppy some treats. Ask the person if they can give your puppy a treat if they seem interested in the puppy. I oftentimes ask people to give my foster puppies treats prior to them petting the puppy. Every new experience should be paired with treats. Another example; a car passes by while you are out walking your foster puppy. As soon as the puppy hears or sees the car, start giving them treats and happy talk. The treats should start after the new experience has started.
My Foster Puppies
The following are several items that I focus on while I am fostering puppies:
I take them out on walks.
I bring them to dog-friendly stores during slower times.
I play different sounds on my phone.
I bang pots and pans.
I work on body handling (touching different parts of their body).
I groom them (baths and brushing).
I take them in the car.
I bring them to parks, not dog parks.
They come with me when I visit friends and family as long as I know the resident pets are comfortable with puppies.
I have people come over and visit with them.
Summary
Fostering puppies is a selfless act and a large commitment on behalf of the foster family. The most important thing that a foster family can do for any animal is to provide them with a safe and loving home. I understand that people have limited energy and time when providing socialization opportunities. However, setting aside a few minutes each day for some of these activities will make a lasting difference in your foster puppy. Thank you to all of the foster families out there opening your homes to those in need.