Coco adores people – kids especially. He loves animals, too, particularly other dogs. He is quite the little social butterfly – he does a happy dance and loves to get a belly rub from everyone he meets. Getting a puppy during a pandemic presents some challenges. We haven’t been getting visitors to our house nor seeing half as many people as usual. How will he become socialized? I didn’t want a dog that growled at others or was only attached to me, since I was the only one home at the time. I knew I needed to make an effort to socialize a puppy during the pandemic, and it’s actually been easier than I imagined.
After arriving home in the late afternoon, and exploring his new digs, Coco slept for a bit. So adorable – I could watch him sleep all day. At that time, due to various circumstances, I was home alone and, heck, I was itching for my own socializing. (This pandemic is hard, isn’t it?) So…I decided I needed to get out of the house and, that night, I introduced Coco to a small group of my friends – outside, wearing masks, and socially distanced, of course. It was short and sweet — I didn’t want to overwhelm the itty bitty guy. My friends were charmed by his little puppy antics – I mean, seriously, Shih Tzu puppies are too adorable – what’s not to love? Coco loved them, too, and I knew his socialization was off to a good start.
Socializing Coco turned out to be effortless because I was basically home alone with him and had to take him with me everywhere I went. He was too young to be left home alone at eight weeks old. And take him with me, I did! I had to drop by my classroom to close it up for the summer. Since we had previously (abruptly) closed the school in the spring, it was surreal to go back to my classroom, but taking Coco made it better. Of course, we all wore masks and were socially distanced. I loved seeing my colleagues again after so long and Coco greeted them with his loving little self. I leashed him, but let him roam around my classroom and sometimes in the hall. Of course, he LOVED it. He explored every inch of my classroom and meeting new people. Later in the week, I scooped him up and took him on a “clap-out” and then later a “car parade”, in which we drove around to see our students standing outside their homes. It was really special and meaningful for teachers and students alike. I kept Coco on my lap and he “waved” at the students, but the little baby was exhausted after a half hour and slept for some of the ride (on my lap and later a towel on the car floor).
After that, Coco met a colleague’s baby niece — seriously, they were too cute together. First crush!! He was really good with her, as if he knew to be gentle. Later, I took Coco to an outdoor restaurant that allowed small pets. I took his food and water bowls and placed them nearby. He ate, drank, and napped nearby or on my lap. He seemed perfectly at home and well behaved, even though it was the first time going to a restaurant. Strangers came by our table several times to pet the little guy, who welcomed them lovingly. What a personality, this little guy.
Since the weather was PERFECT, I spent a lot of time outdoors with Coco those first weeks. We hung out in the front yard quite a bit and that’s how Coco met the neighborhood kids. They were in love with him and vice versa. They ranged from an almost 2 year old to a 10 year old. They cuddled, played, and let him rest when he was exhausted. They were so patient with him. One time, some of the boys swung by our backyard and played “soccer” with Coco. Too cute! The little guy loves that strange ball that he can’t sink his teeth into. They boys were so patient and let him chill as they proceeded to play soccer.
I was worried that Coco would become territorial and bark at visitors since we weren’t getting many those first weeks. But, I didn’t need to worry. As soon as it was safe, and still social distancing of course, I had people come by. Coco did so well! He loved meeting my book club friends — they’re amazing so who wouldn’t? — and didn’t bark or get territorial at all. If anything, he was overstimulated so I did need to pick him up a couple of times to get him to rest.
I’ve also socialized Coco at puppy obedience school where he met different dogs (all bigger than him) and their owners. He did well, although he was a bit apprehensive about getting stepped on. It was a fabulous experience for training and socializing. I highly recommend it.
As Coco grew older, we went on daily walks and met all kinds of people and dogs. One Great Dane was especially gentle with Coco and sat down so that Coco could reach his face (sort of). It was scary for me, but the owner is a neighbor and great. She reassured me that her dog is gentle with her cat.
Socializing a puppy during a pandemic was not as hard as I thought and actually helped me meet a lot of people too.
Maggie's Corner 