Socialization
When a puppy is between four weeks and nine months, they are at a crucial period where they need to be introduced to as many new interactions / items as possible such as:
- Other dogs (as long as vaccines are up to date)
- Common sounds such as thunder, fireworks, sirens, and vacuum cleaner. Youtube is a great resource
- Touch - touch their feet, tail, and ears often to make future cleaning and nail trimmings easier
If the puppy is not introduced to new situations, it can cause an aversion to anything they are not used to as well as hard-to-manage behaviors in the future
When your puppy is afraid of something, instead of pushing them to interact, use an abundance of treats to ensure they have a positive experience
Enrichment
Puppies need constant entertainment otherwise they will resort to entertaining themselves.
Giving your dog a Kong or a puzzle toy will encourage them to use their minds to get to the food and teach them to chew on something other than your shoes.
Bringing a new puppy home requires preparation, patience, and consistency.