Unlocking Social Bliss: A Doodle's Guide to Making Friends

Hey there, Doodle enthusiasts! Ready for another paw-some blog post? Today, we're diving into a vital topic for all proud pup parents: socialization. Whether your fur baby comes from a top-notch breeder like us at Lake Mountain Doodle or joins your family from another avenue, the socialization journey is crucial for their growth and happiness.
Let me share a little secret with you. When my sister Sheri and I started breeding, we knew that early socialization was key. Our own experiences with our pups taught us just how important it is. Take Angel, for example. When she joined our family, she was a bit unsure and anxious, likely due to her early upbringing. I remember the first time she sat in our family room...completely skittish and insecure. But with patience, love, and lots of socialization, she blossomed into the confident and happy pup she is today.
Now, let's talk strategy. For those lucky enough to start with a Doodle pup from a reputable breeder like us, you're already ahead of the game. But don't rest on your laurels! Consistency is key. Keep exposing your pup to new experiences, people, and places. It's like giving them a VIP pass to life's coolest adventures! A big thing you need to be doing while exposing them...is watching their reactions...because exposing them to a situation is not the same as socializing them.
I can hear some of you now: what about those who didn't start with us? No worries! Socialization is still within reach. It just takes a bit more TLC. Start slow, introducing your pup to new things gradually. And remember, positive reinforcement is your best friend. Treats, praise, and belly rubs go a long way in building confidence. And timing here is also very important...because a pat when they are having a negative reaction can actually reinforce that behavior instead of building confidence. So remember not to baby your baby, but build them up instead.

Pro Tip: Socialization is about confidence. So if your pup seems uneasy...you can keep going. BUT if your pup is completely shut down: tail tucked, ears back, excessive drooling or panting and won't take a treat - it's time to hightail it out of that situation and try again another day. BUT the K E Y word there is "try again". If you stop when your dog is unsuccessful, I guarantee they always will be. An unsuccessful adventure just means you have some extra training to do and then TRY AGAIN! When we take cues from our dog that they don't like something and then stop, we give them the reins in their training and in effect, we let them win. Some dogs who did not come from great situations will have limits, but that does not mean that we cannot broaden their limits and we should.

Now, let's talk about our older pups. It's never too late to start the socialization journey. Sure, they might be a bit set in their ways, but with patience and persistence, they'll learn to embrace new experiences like a pro.
So, why is socialization so important? It's all about building confidence and trust. We want our Doodles to feel comfortable in their own fur, whether they're meeting new friends or exploring new places.
For more insider tips on socialization and all things Doodle, hop over to our blog on lakemountaindoodle.com. And don't forget to join Sheri and me for our Instagram LIVE sessions every Wednesday, where we dish out even more helpful advice and answer your burning questions about dog care, training, and grooming.
Until next time, keep socializing, keep smiling, and keep those tails wagging!

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