Socialization is one of the most critical aspects in raising a happy, well-adjusted dog. It shouldn't end with meeting a couple of neighborhood dogs and family friends. Your new puppy should meet hundreds of new people and dogs, step on every kind of surface and be exposed to hundreds of stimuli before reaching 16 weeks of age. This may seem overwhelming to many owners, so here are some places to bring your puppy around Concord to help him become a social butterfly!
My first and favorite place to socialize your puppy is on Main Street in downtown Concord. You just can't go wrong on a weekend because there will be every type of stimuli you can imagine.
Children, other dogs, cars, bicycles, etc., will be teeming the streets and sidewalks to help expose your puppy to a variety of sounds and smells.
It is important to remember not to thrust a puppy into the world and force him to be petted and held. You should bring some yummy treats and let your puppy make up his own mind about this strange world.
Give strangers treats to give your puppy, and reward him when he approaches new shapes and objects. You can also sit on a bench and let the world pass by you and your puppy. Shy or less outgoing puppies should come to Main Street on quieter days at first (Sunday mornings are good) so they don't feel too overwhelmed.
A great place to have your puppy meet new friends is around the local schools. Take your puppy when recess is going and have him get used to the sound of children playing.
If he is going to meet children, you should supervise and have the kids give him or toss treats rather than picking him up. Make sure he isn't too crowded or that the children aren't too rough.
Parks around Concord are beautiful and usually filled with other dogs, people running, or children playing sports. These are great places to socialize your puppy and also meet other people with dogs. White Park is a favorite of mine because there are open and wooded areas to let your pet play in.
Remember to take plenty of treats and find new things for your puppy to explore and discover. Encourage him to crawl under a branch or jump over it instead.
Either way, your puppy will be developing confidence and exposure to new and exciting things.
Socializing your puppy should be a fun adventure for both of you.
Make sure your new pup is up-to-date on all his vaccines before allowing him in areas where other dogs have been, and ask your veterinarian if you aren't sure.
Remember, one trip to a new place isn't enough – you should go many times.
