Bringing home a new puppy can bring a lot of joy to a household and there is much to consider in helping a pup to thrive. AKC Golden Retriever puppies are a great choice for families and everyone can assist in the socialization of the new arrival.
Socialization can be achieved by a well-planned and executed program that helps puppies adjust to new environments in order to be prepared for the experiences of life. Many breeders and trainers use the Rule of 7 which is a guide to expose the pups to seven different articles in seven categories by the time they are seven weeks old. The principles of this system can help pups to be well-adjusted, calm companions.
The seven experiences include being on surfaces, playing with objects, being in locations, meeting people, being exposed to challenges, eating out of containers and eating in different locations. With seven each of these seven, the puppies are exposed to minor stresses slowly and continuously to help them grow in self-assurance and socialization. They will be better able to continue their training once they have had this degree of exposure.
AKC Golden Retriever puppies should learn on their own by exploration, but always under close supervision. Never be harsh but strive to build a bond of trust. Around 4 weeks old, begin to introduce the various experiences and textures. At 5 weeks, allow a variety of people to play with the pups which gets them accustomed to each person’s different touch. By 6 weeks, they will have fun experiencing a vertical world as they climb on stairs and ramps. With these various challenges and opportunities the puppies will have experienced many changes by the time they are 8 weeks old. They will be more confident and outgoing and ready to begin obedience training, as they continue to learn more.
It is a fun challenge to help AKC Golden Retriever puppies learn socialization by introducing new experiences. The reward will be calm and confident pups that are ready to explore their world.
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