Handling & Life Skills Socialization

Gental Handling

Prep for Grooming and Care

1. Get your puppy used to the idea of touching paws, ears, tail, mouth
2. Treat them as you gently touch each area - if they back up or duck their head away, move slower.
3. Stop before they get stressed

1. Set puppies in the bath without bathing - give them lots treats
2. Introduce them to grooming tools without using them.
3. Use high value treats during sessions
4. Make these spaces feel safe first

Surfaces and Sensory Exposure

Vet and saftey

1. Walk on tile, carpet, wood, grass
2. Try wet grass and walking in clean water
3. New textures build confidence
4. Let them explore different things - saftly

1. Only interact with known, healthy, vaccinated dogs
2. Let puppies observe dogs without greeting
3. Avoid negative or overwhelming experiences
4. Neutral is better than scary