Socialization Tips for Bernedoodle Puppies: Setting Them Up to be Happy

Bernedoodle puppies are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. Proper socialization is crucial in shaping their behaviour and ensuring they grow into well-adjusted adult dogs. In this blog post, we'll discuss some essential tips for socializing Bernedoodle puppies to help them thrive and be happy companions.

1. Start Early

Begin socializing your Bernedoodle puppy as soon as you bring them home. The critical socialization period for puppies is between 3 and 14 weeks of age. However, keep in mind that your puppy will not be fully vaccinated until after their 16-week DHPP vaccine.  Until then get creative without letting your puppy touch surfaces (e.g. go to Lowes, get a shopping cart, bring a blanket and line it, and tootle around the store so that the puppy can hear and smell and see new things).

Introduce your puppy to various people, animals, environments, and experiences during this period to help them feel comfortable and confident in different situations.

2. Positive Experiences

Make socialization a positive and enjoyable experience for your Bernedoodle puppy by using treats, praise, and rewards.

Encourage positive interactions with people that you know and trust, including family members and friends, to help your puppy develop trust and confidence in humans. Again be sure that your friends are aware that the puppy is not fully vaccinated especially if they have been touching or handling other dogs.

3. Puppy Classes

Once your puppy has completed their last DHPP puppy vaccine series, enroll your Bernedoodle puppy in puppy training classes or socialization groups to allow them to interact with other dogs in a controlled environment.  DO NOT use dog parks to socialize your puppy.  Many dogs have experienced lifelong negative impacts from other dogs that exhibit aggression as many well intentioned people with aggressive dogs will think that bringing their dog to a dog park to interact with others will help theirs and this usually does not end very well.  Until your puppy has completed their DHPP puppy vaccine series, you want to make sure that you’re socializing using the above suggestions and please start training at home.  We have a Puppy Training Guide at our website at: https://www.premierdoodles.com/puppy-training-guide

Puppy classes offer structured activities and supervised play sessions that help puppies learn important social skills and manners.

4. Exposure to Different Environments

Expose your Bernedoodle puppy to various environments, such as parks, beaches, streets, and indoor spaces, to familiarize them with sights, sounds, and smells. Again be a little more protective until they finish their last DHPP puppy booster.

Gradually introduce new environments to prevent overwhelming your puppy and allow them to adjust at their own pace.

5. Supervised Playdates

Arrange supervised playdates with other puppies or well-behaved adult dogs to give your Bernedoodle puppy opportunities for positive social interactions and play.  We have a a FaceBook page called Premier Doodles Families for those that have purchased one of our puppies and brought them home.  This is a great site to network with other Premier Doodle families as many arrange puppy dates to interact and it’s a great place to meet new friends.

Monitor the play sessions closely to ensure all dogs play safely and respectfully, and intervene if any signs of aggression or discomfort arise.

6. Handling and Grooming

Get your Bernedoodle puppies accustomed to being handled and groomed from an early age. Gently touch and hold their paws, ears, mouth, and body to desensitize them to grooming procedures.

Use positive reinforcement and rewards to make grooming sessions a pleasant experience for your puppy. We recommend single ingredient treats like freeze dried beef liver, etc.

7. Exposure to Different People

Introduce your Bernedoodle puppy to people of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, to help them feel comfortable and confident around different individuals. If you introduce them to kids be sure you know them or trust them and their parents.  Many dogs can have a very negative experience with overzealous young children and this fear response can take a long time to correct.

Teach children how to interact with puppies gently and respectfully to prevent accidents or injuries and promote positive experiences for both parties.

Ending Note:

Proper socialization is essential for Bernedoodle puppies to grow into happy, well-adjusted adult dogs. Remember to be patient, consistent, and supportive throughout the socialization process, and your Bernedoodle puppies will thank you with a lifetime of love and companionship.