Bringing home a new puppy is EXTRA exciting… but also overwhelming! There is so much to do, so many slippers you’ll need to steal back from them, potty breaks to stay on top of… it’s a whirlwind! One of the most important things you can do when raising a new puppy is dedicating serious time and effort to socializing them properly. Socialization is a crucial step in ensuring puppies grow up to be confident and adaptable dogs who are ready to take on the world. Fortunately, socializing a puppy in Connecticut can be a ton of fun thanks to all of the different things our state has to offer!

Why Puppy Socialization Matters

Puppy socialization is all about exposing your impressionable pup to a variety of experiences, sights, sounds, and smells in a positive and controlled manner. This helps them build the confidence they need to navigate a life full of adventures without fear or anxiety. From meeting new people and animals to exploring different environments, the goal is to make each new experience enjoyable and stress-free for your puppy.

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that a puppy’s socialization period peaks from 3 weeks to 14 weeks of age. In this time period, their curiosity tends to outweigh fear and their brains are quite malleable! Even if you have you adopted your puppy later than this time frame, do not fret. 14 weeks is an estimate and even beyond 14 weeks, dogs are always learning. Even if they are outside of their “socialization period,” positive, proper introduction and exposure to new things is a lifelong project.

What Puppy Socialization Isn’t

An unfortunate misconception is that socializing a puppy means we should let them run up to every person and dog they see. This is not the case! While intentions are good, allowing your puppy to get showered by attention every time they see someone can result in a lot of frustration for both of you down the road. (“What do you MEAN I can’t go run up to that growling dog, Mom!?”)

Socialization is SO much more than that. While we absolutely want to positively expose our dogs to new people and friendly pups, socialization also focuses on exposing them to different objects, sounds, experiences, surfaces and other things they will experience in their lifetime.

The Connecticut Connection

The Constitution State is full of opportunities to help your pup adjust to their new life. From forests to beaches, summer thunderstorms to snow, there are so many new things to show and teach your puppy!

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of over 120 things to socialize your puppy to in Connecticut. This list is designed to help make socialization a fun, positive experience for both you and your puppy. So grab your leash, some treats and get socializing!

Surfaces

1. Gravel
2. Pavement
3. Sand
4. Wet grass
5. Tarps
6. Bridge
7. Uneven surfaces (safe ones, of course!)
8. Mulch
9. Laminate/smooth flooring
10. Tile flooring
11. Hardwood flooring
12. Carpets
13. Dirt
14. Puddles
15. Snow (if winter!)
16. Trail/forest
17. Manhole covers

Objects and Places

1. Umbrellas
2. Stairs
3. Elevators
4. Hair dryer
5. Bicycles
6. Camera
7. Fans
8. Pots and pans
9. Nail clippers
10. Nail Dremel
11. Shopping carts
12. Vet scale
13. Broom
14. Vacuum
15. Mop Bucket
16. Dustpan
17. Step stool or ladder
18. Balloons
19. Baby strollers
20. Parking lots
21. Plastic bags
22. Dog friendly stores (ACE Hardware, pet stores, etc.)
23. Construction sites (from a distance!)
24. Interactive toys
25. Getting in the car
26. Beach
27. Lawn mower
28. Weedwacker
29. Dirt bike
30. Drive through
31. Sewer grates

Sounds

1. Wind
2. Thunder
3. Fireworks
4. Traffic
5. Doorbell
6. Music
7. Live music
8. Kids yelling and screaming
9. Camera shutter
10. Large trucks
11. Airplane
12. Fire alarm
13. Ambulance or police siren
14. Construction
15. Overhead neighbors
16. Alarm clock
17. Singing
18. Video games
19. Microwave
20. Dishwasher
21. Washer/dryer
22. Dehumidifier
23. Running water
24. Crinkling plastic
25. People arguing (staged and controlled)
26. Loudspeaker
27. Ice maker

People and Animals

1. Infants
2. Toddlers
3. Children
4. Teenagers
5. Men
6. Women
7. Seniors
8. People of all different ethnicities and races
9. People of different sizes
10. People using mobility aids (wheelchair, crutches, etc.)
11. People with facial hair
12. People using hiking poles
13. People in a baseball hat
14. People in funny hats
15. People in sunglasses
16. People wearing a hood
17. People in a large jacket
18. People in uniform
19. People in costumes
20. People in scrubs
21. Mailman
22. Joggers
23. Bicyclist
24. Neutral or friendly dogs of different ages, sizes, breeds, genders, etc.
25. Cats
26. Horses
27. Cows
28. Goats
29. Chickens
30. Sheep
31. Pigs
32. Birds
33. Small animals (guinea pigs, chinchilla, etc.)

Body Handling

1. Eyes
2. Ears
3. Nose
4. Lips
5. Gums
6. Paws
7. Tail
8. Stomach
9. Nails
10. Handling their collar
11. Introduction to a muzzle
12. Wearing a harness
13. Teeth brushing
14. Basic restraint/”hugs”
15. Mock ear drops
16. Mock eye drops
17. Mock vaccines
18. Toweling off
19. Being brushed/combed

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone!

Overwhelmed? Not sure where to start? Don’t worry – you don’t need to do it alone! A positive reinforcement dog trainer can teach you how to properly introduce your dogs to the things on this list and more as well as help you with all of the puppy behaviors you’re bound to come across along the way!

If you want to help your puppy get off on the right “paw” and start socializing them, we can help! Our Oxford, CT based group classes and day school program are an excellent way to jumpstart your puppy’s learning and get you the support you need. Looking for some one-on-one time? Private sessions are available, too! Take our quiz to find out what service might be right for you, get in touch, or give us a call at 203-457-6754. We can’t wait to speak with you!

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Jessica

Jessica graduated with distinction as a Professional Dog Trainer/Certified Training Partner through Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)’s intensive dog trainer professional program. She is also a licensed Family Paws educator. She is also recognized as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter by Pet Sitters International – the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters dedicated to educating pet sitters and promoting, supporting and recognizing excellence in pet sitting. She is trained in Pet First Aid and CPR through ProTrainings and is a certified Fear Free Professional.

Jessica graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut in 2015. Her animal-centered coursework here included courses in animal behavior, health and disease management, anatomy and physiology, basic through advanced nutrition and feeding, genetics, comparative exercise physiology, endocrinology, reproductive physiology and equine science.

Her resume also boasts hands-on work experience managing horse farms, working with animals ranging from prairie dogs and bison to South American Primates at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, as well as care, training and management of domestic animals from hamsters to cows.

Outside of RCO, Jessica is the dog mom of five (Rocco, Luna, Owl, River), two cats (August and Willow) enjoys reading, walking and training her own dogs, visiting Disney World and pursuing further educational opportunities.

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