From dog day care to walks through the park, there are going to be numerous times in your dog’s life when they have to interact with other animals and people. Working with them in their infancy will allow them to adjust to these encounters in a positive way. Here are a few methods for helping your puppy become acclimated to the world around them.

How to Improve Your Puppy’s Social Skills

1. Spend Time Together

Once you’ve brought your puppy home, start slowly introducing him to new people and objects. Have each family member spend time doing different activities that take him slightly out of his comfort zone, such as giving him his first bath or teaching him to give a paw. If you can, invite over guests to meet your dog. This will help him get used to the presence of strangers and larger groups.

2. Go on Walks

Begin with shorter walks just outside the house, and slowly expand to explore different areas. If you live in an area with other dog owners, try to walk by them from time to time so your pup can get adjusted to being around other canines. However, don’t let them interact without first knowing the other’s temperament. 

3. Take Them to Dog Day Care

Once your puppy feels comfortable being outdoors and has had numerous encounters with other dogs, they are likely ready for their first trip to dog day care. However, make sure to have all their shots completed beforehand to prevent illness. Playing with others of their kind in a supervised environment will give them a chance to expend all of their puppy energy and become more confident around other dogs, which can make them more well-behaved in general. Since many of these programs also offer boarding, acclimating them to this environment is also useful for when you have to be away.

Help your puppy become a social butterfly by enrolling them in dog day care at Dogtopia of Highland Village in Denton County, Texas. This fully-indoor facility has spacious playrooms that are always supervised. Dogs are divided by size, temperament, and play style, so you don’t have to worry about your little guy not fitting in. Call them today at (972) 264-1178 to sign your pup up for half or full days any day of the week. You can also visit their website to learn more about their other pet services, including dog grooming and boarding.