Do you have a new puppy?

It's very exciting and tempting to take them out to do "all the things." But, wait. Let them acclimate to their new home. They were just removed from everything they have every known and need time to decompress and get used to their new surroundings. Start getting them used to their new house and their new routine.

When they start getting comfortable, take them out to quiet places and let them observe. Puppies do not need to greet everyone (and def not every dog) they see. Let them get used to looking and not greeting. We want to build our relationship with our new puppies first, they can meet people/dogs later (maybe).

I see so many posts about new puppies that have been drug around to many new places and met lots of people within a few days of arriving at a new home. This can be so overwhelming to them and is not the way to start socializing out right.

Remember, socializing does not have to be meeting people and dogs. It is more letting the puppy get used to the world and seeing the sights in a calm manner. Think of this as exposure to new things rather than meeting/greeting people and dogs. Consider sitting in your car with your puppy and letting them look at things. Or go to the back of a parking lot (instead of in the store) and let them observe. Work on your bonding and connection first - it will pay off!