Why is Socialization of your Pomsky puppy important?
The perfect window for socialization of a new puppy is between three and twelve weeks. Since our puppies stay with us until they go home at eight weeks of age, we start the socialization process for you. Our Pomsky puppies are born right in our home and they grow up watching our day-to-day activities, hearing normal household noises such as a vacuum, blender, television, etc. We have a Ragdoll cat named Dusty, and he loves our puppies! The puppies are introduced to Dusty and are his playmates, which means they are already familiar with a cat when they go home to their families. Our kids are very active in the socialization process, they love to hold and play with the puppies. Proper socialization makes for a more well-rounded puppy. It also helps to keep the puppy from being uncomfortable and/or fearful in new situations. Rest assured, your puppy is in expert hands with us here at Smoky Mountain Pomskies.
After you take your Smoky Mountain Pomsky puppy home, it is still important for you, as an owner, to continue with the socialization process. Introducing your puppy to new people, places, and experiences from the start is vital to helping him/her navigate our human world. A well socialized puppy becomes a confident dog that is comfortable in a multitude of new experiences.
What does socialization look like for a new Pomsky puppy owner?
There are many facets of socialization that new owners do not think about. Here is a list we gathered:
People of different gender, age, and race
People with and without disabilities
People with and without hats, scarfs, glasses, etc
Babies and young children
Animal species other than canines
New places, both during the day and at night
“Sense-a-tional” experiences, New sounds, smells, sights, taste, textures (such as grass)
“Your dog’s brain is most capable of processing and accepting new experiences between 3 and 14 weeks old.” (be.chewy.com)
Making socialization a positive experience right from the beginning is key to having a happy, secure, well-adjusted Pomsky puppy/dog. Negative experiences with socialization can turn into a phobia/fear, so it is important to safeguard your pet and what he/she is exposed to, just as you would a human baby.
Diligence in socializing your new puppy will go a long way toward the future dog you will have. In essence, socialization helps to create the eventual personality of your Pomsky, so all of your hard work will pay off!
How to socialize your Pomsky puppy, Step by Step:
Exploration: After puppy proofing your home and making it a safe space for your puppy, allow the puppy to explore his/her new environment. Make sure you keep a close eye on your puppy to make sure he/she is safe. Don’t forget electronic cords, blind strings, etc. they are often overlooked as safety hazards.
Touch: There are many different types of touch that a puppy needs to become used to so that he/she is comfortable when new people touch him/her and new situations arise, such as grooming. Areas to focus on: paws, tail, belly rubs, head and ear rubs, and make sure you pet them in different positions, side, back, head etc.
Outings: You love your new puppy, but it is possible to overwhelm him/her with too much at first. Any outings that you embark upon, make sure they are short until the puppy has become acclimated to new experiences. Puppies can become stressed if overwhelmed and it is important not to overdo. Make home the safe zone, a calming environment to reset your puppy if he/she does become overwhelmed.
Fear Free: The goal to successful socialization is to be “Fear Free”. If your puppy is afraid in a new situation, make sure to make him/her feel safe by stopping the activity. Don’t give up, try a little each day until the fear has been conquered. We see this a lot with loud household noises, such as the vacuum cleaner.
Stay Safe: Your new puppy most likely does not have his/her vaccination series complete yet, it is important not to introduce your Pomsky to other pets that may be sick or that have not been vaccinated. Dog parks are discouraged for this reason, it is impossible to control the environment. Other dogs also may play more roughly than your puppy is used to, which can make them fearful. Play dates with pets and owners that you know and trust are the safest option.
It’s a great big world out there and there is so much to explore with your new Pomsky! By being aware of his/her needs, you will play a vital role in helping to socialize and familiarize your puppy so that he/she becomes the best friend you always wanted.
