How to socialize your pet during social distancing

Covid-19 has rapidly changed almost everything we know about the world. People are staying home from work, avoiding parks and gatherings, and getting pets to keep them company instead. This is great for the pet industry, and also for our mental health, but there’s one important problem—how do you socialize a puppy if it’s not safe to socialize right now?

Go Outside

Covid-19 doesn’t spread quite as rapidly in an outdoor environment, so one way to make things safer is to go outdoors. Take your pet for a hike widely spaced with a friend and their dog, or go to a park where it’s easier to social distance.

Don’t share supplies

Water, poop bags, and other items are all common items we share with other dog owners in a pinch. It’s better not to have to borrow things from other people right now. Make sure you bring all the supplies your pet may need so you don’t have to borrow from other people, and bring along plenty of hand sanitizer as well

Stay small

Don’t invite your whole family over to see the puppy. Instead, just stick to one or two friends or family so your pet can meet other humans, meet their (puppy friendly) dogs, and get used to strangers. More isn’t always better when it comes down to socialization, especially right now.

Stay home if your sick

This should be obvious, but make sure your friends and family agree to cancel if they are feeling unwell, and do so yourself if you are sick. While Covid can still be spread before you are feeling symptoms, if you’re unwell you know you are sick—why spread even a cold if you can avoid it?

Having a pandemic puppy doesn’t mean having an under socialized one. You can still get your pet used to other people and dogs during this time, you just need to do it safely and smartly.