How Early Should You Start Socializing Your Pup to the Outside World?

Many people know that it's important for their young pups to be exposed to new people, other dogs, novel objects, new environments, and various sights and sounds to build their confidence and become a well-rounded pup that doesn't show fear, anxiety or reactivity/aggression.  Yet we also know we must protect our young puppies from coming into contact with any harmful pathogens that could cause serious illness, which is why many vets will advise to avoid taking your pup anywhere there may be other dogs until after they are fully immunized. 

But did you know that the first 16-20 weeks of a puppy's life and the experiences s/he has during this time can be critical in determining the pup's future confidence?  This is why it's SO important to still give your pup exposure to the outside world - we do not want to miss this very important window of opportunity, we just want to  be sure to do it in a way that is still physically (and emotionally) safe for your pup at the same time.

With some breeds of pups in particular (such as many herding breeds, terriers and hunting breeds), early socialization and exposure is paramount to getting ahead of problem behaviors such as anxiety and aggression later on in life.  Since I know this is so important for Shiba Inus - who tend to be sassy and strong-minded but not exactly confident or comfortable with novelties - I want to start right away with giving my Sheba girl exposure to various sights, sounds, new people, other dogs, different environments, etc and not wait until she is fully vaccinated to do so (since that is still at least 6 weeks away).

So what is a good way to "meet in the middle" and keep her safe but ensure she still gets out and about?  Taking her out in a carriage like the Queen that she is!  

Step one:  make sure Sheba sees the carriage (which we have named the "Scoutmobile" after our late corgi, since we bought it for him when he got sick and couldn't do as much physical exercise anymore) as a good place and not something to be scared or stressed by.  How do you do that?  Watch the video below!