The critical socialization period for puppies is prior to 20 weeks old; this is when your dog is building their understanding of what is “normal” and what is “safe”. If you want to take your puppy to the cottage or on trips with you, it is important to take the time to introduce them to new things at their pace!

If your dog is older, it is not too late to introduce them to new things! I suggest counter conditioning (not luring, not flooding) your dog and focusing on making it a good experience for them.

#1 Water

Water can be an overwhelming experience for your puppy or dog. It is important to introduce them to water slowly and let them go at their own pace.

DO NOT carry your dog in to the water or pull them into the water. If your dog panics, they may scratch you or even bite you, and some dogs will be more frightened by the restraint. Remember that dogs aren’t primates and so they aren’t going to react like human babies.

Instead: Find somewhere with a natural sloping entrance point so that your dog can step into the water on their own. Play with sticks or balls on the beach and let them run around in the shallows as much as they want.

If their recall isn’t solid, use a long line.

If there is a current or it’s deep or they’re going to be at a significant distance from a person, use a life jacket (and teach them to be comfortable wearing it at home first).

#2 Docks

Most dogs don’t like walking on wobbly surfaces. Most humans don’t like it either!

Start with a sturdy plank of wood wide enough for your dog to stand on. Reward your puppy any time their paw touches the plank. Once they are comfortable standing on it with both front paws, try the back paws.

Once they are comfortable with all 4 paws, roll up a mat and place it under one end of the plank, it should now be slightly raised and maybe bounce/flex a little bit as your dog steps on it. When they are happily walking up and down the plank like this, move the mat to the center so that it becomes a pivot point and turns the plank into a seesaw. Place mats under the ends as well to help reduce the swing of the seesaw if it’s a long plank. Use a leash or a lure to make sure your puppy starts on the end that is touching the ground.

If you want to buy a product for this, the term you want is “wobble board”.

If you want to practice out and about instead, try wooden benches or logs. Start with the low and sturdy, then work your way up to dock-level wobbly.

#3 Clapping

I spent a few years in Manitoba as a kid and now live in the Ottawa Valley so I associate summer with mosquitoes. Clapping is also common at many group events. I have unfortunately met many dogs who are afraid of clapping/slapping sounds and if you are a quiet household, your dog may not have heard you do this yet.

Start with a single soft clap and then reward your puppy.

Slowly increase the intensity of the clap, while making sure never to go so loud that you scare them. Always reward them after the sound. Make sure to give them a break if they lose enthusiasm.

Then you can work on the number. Go back to a softer sound. If they seem completely happy after the clap (usually in anticipation of the reward, this is fine, reward them) and you’ve done that number three times, you can add a clap. If they stop looking happy, stop there and go do something fun.

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Worried about your dog’s summer experiences? Want to set your dog up for success with new experiences? I’m happy to help you come up with a strategic plan to get your dog to feel comfortable and confident.