Socializing

All of our miniature schnoodle puppies (schnauzers and poodles also) are socialized with their litter mates as well as other puppies that we may have that are similar in age.  Puppies learn from one another including but not limited to playing, sharing toys, sharing food and water, sharing bones, etc.  All of this is an important part of the puppy’s development.

Our miniature schnoodle puppies (schnauzers and poodles also) are not socialized with any other dogs or puppies because they are not fully vaccinated and would be at risk.  Of course, we interact with the puppies everyday throughout the day, so they socialize with us.  Our puppies leave us confident, loving, and ready to start a new life with their new family.

Once the puppies are with their new families, they continue to socialize with those who live in their household.  It is important to note that outsiders should not handle the puppy if they are not fully vaccinated.

When the puppy is fully vaccinated, they can start to socialize with other dogs outside of their home.  They can socialize with other people that are outside of the home.  It is important not to overwhelm the puppy by over socializing with them.  It is overwhelming to the puppy and will cause them to have emotional trauma.

Think of it this way, if you are in a social setting and a crowd surrounds you, you will feel overwhelmed and remove yourself from the situation.  Allow the puppy the same courtesy and remove them from the situation if you sense that they are becoming overwhelmed.  Don’t force the puppy to tolerate it.  Just remove them and try again another time with a smaller social setting.  You need to allow the puppy to build confidence as they are learning socialization for them to enjoy those outings to the beach or park later.

I want everyone to note something; the puppy does not have to like everyone they meet or every dog they meet.  Think of it this way, do you like everyone you meet?  Do you like every dog that approaches you?  I know the answer to this question is NO!  Don’t force the puppy to tolerate everyone and every dog they meet.  It is ok for the puppy not to be social with everyone.  If you choose you puppy can be social with your family in your home and nothing more. You are not required to socialize your dog with the outside world if you choose not to.  It is up to you how much socializing you choose to do.  It is not going to be an issue for the dog.

Our dogs are not forced to be social with outsiders, they love us and that is perfectly fine.  So don’t feel like you must socialize with the puppy as soon as possible or it will do damage, the puppy will be fine.  Do what you feel is best for your puppy and your lifestyle, not what someone else feels are best. Consider the puppy and their reactions when they are introduced to a person or dog, if you get a sense that the puppy is not happy remove them from the situation.  This is the easiest way to avoid the puppy getting overwhelmed and potentially traumatized from the introduction.

Socializing is going to be different for every puppy.  It is also different for each household, follow your gut instincts and do what you feel is best for your family and the puppy.

To Learn More About Socializing Puppies (click here)