How to Socialize Your Puppy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The first several months of a puppy’s life are paramount for socialization and acclimation to his surroundings. For new puppy parents, the COVID-19 pandemic presents additional obstacles for socialization, with stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines still in place for a large portion of the United States. Although socialization may be more difficult during these unprecedented times, puppy owners can still begin the socialization process while still adhering to health and safety guidelines. Check out these tips to get started:

• Wear Different Clothing

Try wearing different hats, sunglasses, scarfs and other various articles of clothing to disguise yourself and familiarize your puppy with lots of different styles. This will help your puppy get used to interacting with “strangers” who may look different compared to your day-to-day wardrobe.

• Exposure to Sounds and Textured Surfaces

To further acclimate your puppy to common sounds, consider playing music in the house, taking him for car rides, running the dishwasher and any other noise-inducing actions that are common when around the house or out in public. Often, these sounds can be scary to new puppies, so it is important to expose them to all types of noises before they’re all grown up.

Another easily forgotten tip to remember: Don’t forget to expose puppies to different surfaces. Hardwood, carpet, concrete, grass and (everything in between) all feel different to your pup’s sensitive paws. Allow your puppy to experiment by walking over various surfaces so he’ll already be a pro once stay-at-home orders are lifted. 

• Teach him to be without people, too

As of now, your pup is going to be accustomed to spending every waking moment with you. While this is what we all want — it likely won’t be as realistic once stay-at-home orders are lifted and many return to traditional working schedules. Start crate training your puppy several times throughout the day to get him adjusted to spending time alone.  

We know these unprecedented times are ‘ruff,’ and your Scoop Soldiers family is always here for you and yours. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try our services, we’re offering all first-time customers one visit for free – no obligations or strings attached.

Call us at 877-930-POOP to schedule if you live in the Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tulsa or Phoenix metro areas.

Stay safe and healthy, and enjoy your new best friend!