Puppy socializing is so important. Puppies should meet lots of different people, experience new things, sights, sounds, textures, noises and such during this period. We have to open up their world in a positive and safe way.
Of course, puppies are not fully protected protected from disease like parvovirus and distemper until they have gone through a series of puppy vaccinations. These are usually given every three to four weeks until the final one is given at sixteen weeks or later.
Living where we do, socializing a puppy that I’m planning on keeping can be challenging. Working with two puppies keeps me extra busy. And three puppies is just a little crazy, but we do what we have to do! It’s pretty peaceful and quiet around here and we don’t get a ton of visitors. So going to town is a good place to experience some new things with a puppy.
But I do have to make a special trip to town for puppy socializing. Now that it’s summer, of course I can’t leave a puppy in the car while I shop. Which also means I can only take one puppy at a time. So the trip to town is only for socializing (or shopping if it’s a pet friendly store).
The other day, I decided to take “Luke” with me (new name coming!)
First to make sure he’s gone potty before getting in the crate in the truck.
Loaded up with a bully stick.
It’s a beautiful day in the PNW for a drive!
Once we got into town, I stopped and got him out of the crate so he could go through the drive-thru on my lap. This way he can see someone at the window and experience something new.
After grabbing some lunch, we went through another drive-thru for something special to drink.
Our next stop was North 40, which is one of our local farm stores. Since he is not fully vaccinated I didn’t let him down on the ground, but instead covered the bottom of the cart with his blanket and let him ride around in the cart.
He got lots of attention.
We went and checked out the squeaky toys.
As luck would have it, the day we went to town was “Art Walk” day. The town features a local artist and has other vendors and music downtown. Perfect socializing opportunity for a puppy.
Once again, I did not put him on the ground, but carried him as we walked up and down along Main Street. He got a lot of love and attention from many people (I just didn’t take pictures since a lot of them were children).
After our walk downtown it was time to head home as he had experienced enough new things and stimulation for the day.
On the road home (where part of it runs along the river), I stopped at the boat launch. It’s a quiet place with a little stretch sandy beach. The perfect, safe place for him to stretch his legs after a busy afternoon in town.
I think he really enjoyed it. We even checked out the dock. The strange, grated surface didn’t phase him a bit.
It was a great day of learning and experiencing new things for Luke!