Socializing a Puppy in Quarantine

Socializing a puppy in quarantine. It sort of sounds like an impossible task, doesn't it?

Fortunately, you can still properly socialize your puppy while still abiding by social distancing regulations. We just have to make a few adjustments and get a bit creative! Feel feel free to further tweak our suggestions based on your individual location's recommendations and restrictions.

The most critical socialization period is between 8-16 weeks of age. Your puppy doesn't come with a pause button, so don't delay these important steps!

Socializing a Puppy In Quarantine: A Quick Guide

Objects

Your home is full of interesting objects that you can use to help your puppy get used to new things. Expose your puppy to what you have on this list:

- Skateboard, bicycle, scooter
- Wheelchair, walker, crutches
- Stroller
- A rolling suitcase
- Vacuum cleaner
- Blow dryer
- Wheelbarrow
- Broom (they may find this fun to chase!)
- Sprinkler
- Mirrors
- Shopping bags
- Musical children's toys

Surfaces

A few cheats for socialization to new surfaces that you may have at home:

- A bosu ball makes for learning to walk on a wobbly surface. Also check out these balance pods.
- Bubble wrap
- Air vents
- Tile floors
- Stairs

The Great Outdoors

Depending on your location, you may still be allowed to enjoy outdoor activities with your pup. Try these:

- Walk past people and other dogs at a 6' distance. This is actually what we recommend doing with or without a quarantine! You're exposing your puppy to people and other dogs, but helping them learn to walk past them without a big fuss.
  - Pro Tip: Reward your pup every time they see a dog or person! They will learn that the distraction is their cue to focus on you.
- Walk your puppy over grates in the sidewalk (provided your puppy isn't so small he'll slip into them)
- Walk your pup past garbage trucks, delivery trucks, and cars.

Sounds

Lastly, you can find all sorts of sounds that are great for socialization without having to leave your home! Try playing some of these on your computer while your puppy plays or eats:

Fireworks
Thunderstorms
City sounds
Sirens
Barking dogs

Need help with socialization and training for your puppy during quarantine? Check out our online dog training options or contact us directly.

Upcoming Classes

Therapy Dog Prep Class (Canine Good Citizen): March 2023 (Roswell) (FULL)

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - Wednesday, April 19, 2023
6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
Roswell Veterinary Associates, Roswell

Register/More Info

Puppy Level 1: March 2023 (Roswell) (FULL)

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - Wednesday, April 19, 2023
7:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Roswell Veterinary Associates, Roswell

Register/More Info

Praise

We do the in-house training and it has been and wonderful experience so far. They have amazing training techniques, all are working very well. We had a puppy who could not go potty outside and now she is, and is learning new commands every training visit.
Amelia Cosmas is our trainer and she is superb, she makes you feel very comfortable and has lots of great information not just with training but with other things like socializing, enrichment and day to day puppy and dog care. We would recommend Peach on a Leash to anyone looking for a positive training expierience that helps you bond with your new puppy or dog and also most important wonderful trainers that you look forward to seeing and working with.

—Monica, client

Our Puppy Mazey is a 9 month old Mini Golden Doodle and she just did an 8 night board and train with Trainer Jackie. We could not be more impressed.
Jackie was kind and patient and sent us updates and videos of Mazey’s progress daily. When we picked Mazey up she did a demonstration of all Mazey had learned and we were blown away! She gave us a printout plan and checklist of how we can continue working with Mazey at home. Highly recommend this amazing company!

—Rebeka, client

We cannot say enough great things about Peach on A Leash! We adopted our golden doodle at 9 months old and quickly discovered a few concerning behaviors. We were recommended Peach on A Leash and set up and in-home training session with Hallie the next week. She immediately put us to ease with her knowledge and training. We went though 5 weeks of training sessions, but what we received was so much more than that!
Hallie was always available by call or text and taught us all of the correct training techniques to address our dog's unique needs. We have loved being part of this community and have a happy, loving pup now because of it!

—Liz, client

I would highly recommend Peach on a Leash and Jackie Audette! I felt so comfortable having my Springer Spaniel at Jackie's house, and she kept me very involved with updates and progress reports.
Usually an in home training program would make me uneasy, but the process from start to finish was very comfortable and Jackie was reassuring to me as a
somewhat helicopter dog mom. As for the training, my dog came back with impeccable manners and her demeanor was very respectful.

—Hannah, client

“Alex is absolutely AMAZING! She is an erudite trainer, dedicated, caring and implements positive behavioral techniques that our sweet Fisher responds to almost immediately. She communicates clearly and efficiently during our sessions and follows up with a written recap and plan of action. Would recommend her in a heartbeat!”

—Ellie, client

I cannot say enough about our experience with Julia. Our dog shows more obedience and trust with me after our five sessions with her. She is knowledgeable, confident and fun! I feel better equipped to be the best doggie mom I can be because of her. A million thanks!

—Amanda, client