Dog Socialization – A Good Summertime Activity

Dog Socialization – A Good Summertime Activity

Dog socialization is a great way to aid in their social development and spend time together this summer. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it’s important to give your puppy positive experiences with new people and dogs so that they can grow into the best and most confident version of themself. Puppy training classes are just one of many great ways to get your pup out and among other animals. Once you’re comfortable taking your dog out in public, there’s also plenty of great ways to enjoy the warm weather together. 

Importance of Socialization for New Puppies

Socialization is a crucial part of raising a puppy that is well-behaved, whether you’re at home or at the beach. Proper socialization can help prepare your puppy for new situations like car rides, loud kids, and doorbells. Puppies who were socialized through training classes were even shown to have fewer signs of separation anxiety than those that didn’t

By introducing positive experiences with all the new things your puppy is encountering, you can help reduce some of the fear that they might feel around those experiences. The AKC recommends taking small steps to avoid scaring the pup. For instance, you might bring your new puppy to a friend’s house before you try tackling a party. While this process can take time, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal is a dog who can join you on year-round adventures as a steadfast and loyal companion. 

Socialization Ideas for Summer

While taking a training course with a professional is one of the better ways to socialize a puppy, you’ll also want to continue exposing your pup to the new situations you may want to bring them along in. A professional trainer can help you get started by teaching basic commands and helping you get started exposing them to other dogs and people. After that, assuming that your dog is vaccinated, you might bring them along to the pet store, on outdoor restaurant dates, or to the dog park. 

Once you feel your pup is ready, there’s tons of great ways to continue socialization outdoors. For example, many beaches in Chicago are dog-friendly, making it a great way to spend a day with the whole family. Make sure to bring enough water and take steps to protect your pup from the sun and sand–they get hot too! Try bringing along some cold treats for relaxing in the shade or, if you’re looking for a more active getaway, consider taking a hike on a nearby trail. 

Puppy Training Classes with Happy Pup Manor

If you’re training a new puppy, consider enrolling them in classes at Happy Pup Manor. Our professional obedience classes will help prepare them for a summer full of fun with the whole family. To learn more about our luxury boarding and training services, contact us today. Our trainers are happy to answer any questions you have about how our courses can meet your pup’s specific needs.