COVID-19 is making everything complicated, and puppy socialization is no different! Puppies that are socialized during their critical period (between 8-12 weeks-ish) are less likely to develop behavioral problems involving fear or aggression than those who aren't. So what's the problem? Their vaccines aren't completed by that time, so taking them out in the world can be scary. You want them to to see the world, but not get diseases from the world. And that was when we were just worried about our dogs getting viruses, let alone ourselves! So why not wait until dogs are fully vaccinated and coronavirus is under control? Because the risks of behavioral problems from under-socialization outweigh the risks of disease if you socialize carefully. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a statement explaining this clearly if you’d like to read more (we link to it on our resources page)!
Back in the day (AKA a few months ago), you could carefully socialize your pup by avoiding places frequented by unknown (potentially unvaccinated or sick) dogs, while exposing your pup to healthy dogs and environments. This could be done by taking them to puppy classes that specialize in socialization, and setting up playdates with healthy/vaccinated/puppy-friendly dogs at your home or a friend’s home. So what do you do when you can't go to puppy class or friend's houses? We came up with some ideas for socializing your pup in the time of COVID-19.
But first, we must issue a disclaimer: Always discuss these choices with vet and use your best judgement. Do what you are comfortable with both for your puppy and for yourself. Follow CDC & WHO protocols when going out in public, and WASH YOUR HANDS.
Okay so ideas:
1. First things first, expose your dog (in your home) to humans in face masks and/or gloves, and any other protective gear you may wear. People are going to be wearing all sorts of weird things on their heads for the coming months (plus hats and scarves in winter), and it’ll be really hard if your dog is afraid of/barks at all of them. So before you even go out the door, make sure you give them lots of treats and gentle exposure to you and/or other family members in a variety of corona inspired fashion choices!
2. If you aren’t sick or showing symptoms, take your dog out in your neighborhood or another safe environment and reward them in the presence of different sites and sounds (remember, avoid places that are popular with unknown dogs because some diseases can be transferred via surfaces like grass). If you don’t want to leave your driveway, you can sit out there and reward your pup for staying calm as people of all shapes and sizes pass by on bikes, skateboards, in trucks, etc. Roll the garbage can down the driveway, enlist your children to walk down the street in disguise. Get creative!
3. If you feel comfortable, arrange a socially distance appropriate outdoor play date with a friend who has a fully vaccinated and puppy-friendly dog, or a puppy of the same age & vaccination level. Humans can be 6-feet apart, and dogs can interact. Try your best only to interact with your own dog and wash your hands before and after! If you’re very concerned, you could even give your pup a little bath when they get home. (Baths should be a positive experience as well, so load up on treats and go slow!).
We wish we had recommendations for socialization that involved zero risk of disease contraction for humans or dogs, but unfortunately we haven’t found any yet. However, we also know that the risks of behavioral issues associated with avoiding socialization entirely during a puppy’s critical period can be very serious. So PLEASE try to find a way to socialize your pet in a way that feels comfortable for you! We are here for suggestions if you need us. Minimize risk as much as possible by following CDC and WHO guidelines, avoiding high traffic dog and human areas, and using your best judgement.