Socialization: Quality Over Quantity

When socializing a young puppy, it's best to keep the phrase, "Quality over quantity" in mind. What does this mean? In the beginning, it's best to do short but focused outings, preferably with lots of repetition in the same few locations. Young puppies are experiencing the world for the first time and can get overwhelmed quickly. When a puppy is overwhelmed and doesn't have time to process an experience, it will actually hurt the pup's confidence not build him up. Instead, a puppy who experiences a short and positive session in a location, and then repeats that same experience within the next few days, can start to build his confidence as he realizes, "Hey! I've done this before and it was easy!" 

Even I can relate to that feeling! Having just recently moved to Saint Petersburg, the first week of driving around left me very unsure of my sense of direction and knowing my surroundings. However, after that first week, I had driven to several of the same places repeatedly for work and for errands and was able to confidently find my way to most places without a GPS. Similarly, with repeat experiences, your puppy will be able to confidently navigate the repeat outings without his GPS! 

Raisers are excited to take their new puppies to fun outings, but it will serve the puppy better in the long run to exercise some discretion for socialization in the beginning. By building up a pup's confidence now, the puppy will grow up knowing that you will be fair and supportive during outings, making new places easier to take in. Remember that you will have this puppy for a year or more and will have plenty of opportunity to do the fun outings when your pup is older, especially if you take the time to thoughtfully expose your young puppy to socialization now.   

How exactly can we help our young pups with building confidence in repeat socialization? 

1. When you first get your puppy, spend the first week really letting your puppy settle in to his new home. Limit yourself to your own house and about the length of two houses on either side of you for the first week.
2. For the next 2-3 weeks, pick 3 quiet locations ("Quality over quantity!") that you can repeatedly visit for socialization. Some examples are a quiet parking lot, a park at a less busy time of day, your place of employment but after hours. Do short 15-20 minute outings in these locations, repeating each one at least twice.
3. Following those weeks, add 3 new locations every couple of weeks, but still repeating previous locations on a regular basis. If it's a new location, stick to the 15-20 minute rule ("Quality over quantity!") and if it's a repeat location from previous weeks, you can build to longer outings as long as the dog looks comfortable. 

Some raisers may realize their older dog has lower confidence or is even going through a "fear period." Spend a week at home to allow your dog to settle, which will help the dog's stress cortisol levels to return to a productive normal state. Follow the guidelines for little puppies and reintroduce socialization to your older pup.

Of course, please continue to attend regularly scheduled puppy meetings, unless instructed to do otherwise by your Area Coordinator and Puppy Raising Services. However, if the outing is too busy for your pup, please discuss with your AC about some alternatives - such as attending the meeting without your pup so you can still take in the information, attending the meeting but remaining on the outskirts to give your pup a quieter and more thoughtful way to take in the environment, etc. Also, many groups enjoy doing a social activity after formal meetings, which often includes bringing the pups along. If you have a younger puppy, going to a busy restaurant may not be appropriate at that time. Instead, take your pup home or leave him in a crate in another nearby raiser's house before attending the social gathering. It's best to keep in mind that each puppy is different and takes in new experiences in a different way. 

Being able to help a puppy explore the world for the first time and gain confidence doing so can be fun and rewarding!  As a raiser, you provide a valuable service and experience for each pup you take into your house. Without the raisers, Southeastern Guide Dogs wouldn't be able to produce such excellent guide and service dogs!