🐾 5 Tips for Puppies Under 6 Months (Socialization Stage)

1. Teach Puppies That the Vet = Safety, Not Pressure

This stage builds lifelong emotional responses.

Watch for early stress:

  • Sudden stillness

  • Crawling away or hiding

  • Refusing food

  • Excessive squirming

  • Pinned ears or tucked tail

👉 Important: Puppies often look “fine” until they aren’t—don’t push past hesitation.

2. Use Food Constantly and Generously

Food builds positive associations quickly in puppies.

  • Feed treats before, during, and after handling

  • Use lick mats or squeeze tubes for exams

  • Reward being placed on the scale or table

👉 Puppies should expect something good every time they’re touched by a new person.

3. Gently Introduce New People Without Overwhelming

Socialization is about quality, not quantity.

  • Let puppies observe first

  • Encourage strangers to toss treats instead reach for your pup if your pup seems mildly stressed

  • Avoid forced holding or crowding

  • One calm person at a time is better than many

4. Start Happy Visits Early

👉 Confidence comes from choice, not exposure overload.

Happy visits prevent future fear.

  • Stop by just to get treats and leave

  • Let puppies explore briefly

  • Keep sessions short (2–5 minutes)

  • Leave while the puppy is still relaxed

👉 This teaches: “I can come here and nothing bad happens.”

5. Build Gradual Exposure Into Everyday Life

Prepare puppies long before real exams.

  • Touch ears, paws, mouth at home → treat

  • Practice gentle restraint → treat

  • Introduce novel surfaces (tables, mats) → treat

  • Pair mild stress with food and reassurance

👉 Puppies who learn coping skills early become resilient adults.

Final Takeaways

Calm vet visits aren’t about “good dogs.”
They’re about preparation, food, choice, and early intervention.