Pandemic Puppies: Puppy Socialization During a Disease Outbreak
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the world has had to embrace the concept of social distancing. According to CDC regulations, all humans should remain at a safe distance of 6 feet from each other. This adds an entirely new challenge to the world of puppy socialization and training, as puppies during this period may be practicing social distancing with their owners.
Puppies should still be introduced to their “new” world in the safest ways possible (for puppy and owner). The puppy socialization period has not changed even though our world has. From 6-16 weeks, we still need to be introducing puppies to the human world while keeping ourselves safe from disease outbreak.
Presented by Rachel Lees, RVT, KPA CPT, VTS Behavior, this webinar will:
- Educate pet owners and pet professionals on the importance of the socialization period
- Define the terms desensitization and classical counterconditioning and how they are used during the socialization period
- Educate pet owners and pet professionals on how to work through puppy socialization to objects, sounds, etc. during a pandemic
- Describe safety techniques and ideas on how to have puppy socialization groups during the pandemic
- Successfully teach a “name” orientation and recall for a skill to interrupt puppies during play groups