English Cream Golden Retrievers are renowned for their affectionate nature, loyalty, and patience. As a potential buyer, if you inquire from previous owners, everyone would agree that parenting and bonding with this breed has been a relishing experience. Yet, even the sweetest pups require appropriate socialization and training to ensure they grow up into calm, confident, and well-adjusted adult dogs.
Let this guide be your walkthrough on how to socialize an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy, so they grow into the stress-free and happy companion you expect.
Reasons that make socialization so essential for English Cream Golden Retrievers
As mentioned earlier, although the English Cream Golden Retrievers are renowned for their calm, stable, and affectionate nature, they tend to be sensitive. It hardly takes any time for them to establish a deep bond with their families. They can also pick up stress rather fast. Thus, proper socialization helps them a great deal. A well-socialized English Cream Golden Retriever will guarantee the following:
- It will stay relaxed around strangers and other pets in the house.
- It will confidently handle new experiences.
- They would precisely handle any event that might trigger anxiety or phobias.
- They will seldom showcase behavioral issues.
- Eventually, they will grow up into a trustworthy adult.
- It would be a lot safer to take them to public places.
The most significant rule in this aspect is that you should commence early, and then only you can expect fruitful results.
Start slow and let the pup explore at their own pace
No sooner does the English Cream Golden Retriever pup reach home than it will naturally try to become accustomed to the surroundings, as everything is new for it. Before introducing them to all the nuances, you should give them ample time to adjust. Thus, you can do the following:
- Encourage them to gently explore rooms.
- Supervise their activities.
- Introduce them to the other family members calmly.
- Never forget to use a soft and reassuring tone,
- Reward their curiosity whenever possible with treats and lots of love.
- Never rush during this stage. Growth in confidence will happen gradually.
Introduce the English Cream Golden Retriever pup to various sounds
Again, English Cream Golden Retrievers are known to be stable, but they can, at times, get startled by loud noises, especially when they are pups. Ideally, you should begin with simple sound experiences with items that are frequently used at home. Thus, they will gradually become habituated to the sounds of vacuum cleaners, hairdryers, blenders, doorbells, and TV.
When outside, introduce them gradually to sounds like cars honking, traffic, other barking dogs, public announcements, and construction sounds. Remember, keep the sessions short and positive. If you notice the pup is looking nervous, then stop the training session, and do not forget to reward them for their learning thus far.
Introduce different surfaces and textures
As we talk about socialization, it shouldn’t be limited to other people and animals. It is equally essential for them to develop their body confidence. So, make them walk on various surfaces and textures like grass, carpet, tiles, laminate flooring, pavement, wet surfaces, gravel, and sand. It might sound simple, but this simple routine can help reduce hesitation and help the pup to feel secure, regardless of the place they visit later.
Socializing with other dogs
If you do not know this already, other dogs can play a significant role in developing your pup’s overall confidence. However, you should understand that not all dogs are suitable for the aforesaid purpose. Ideally, when socializing with other dogs, pick up the ones that are friendly and calm. Preferably, the other dogs who have previous experience of meeting with pups, are non-reactive, known for gentle playing, and remain calm would be the best choice. It is best to avoid places like dog parks until the pup is fully vaccinated and comfortable with such settings. Interactive sessions with other dogs would help the English Cream Golden Retriever to:
- Exercise control over their biting.
- They would get social cues from their counterparts.
- They will realize the etiquette while playing with others.
- It will help them to build their confidence.
- Most importantly, it will boost their self-regulation.
Socializing with the Vet
Vets would play a crucial role in shaping the English Cream Golden Retrievers’ health in the coming years. As the breed is prone to common health issues, and the vets can intervene at the right time. Therefore, without waiting for the first appointment, take them for a visit casually. After entering the clinic, let the pup sniff around, get a treat from the Vet’s staff, and finally leave without anything being done to their bodies. This will help in reducing their fears, which many dogs develop when visiting such clinics.
Handling and body sensitivity training
Interestingly, many dog parents overlook this aspect, but it is very important for their sake. English Cream Golden Retrievers are sweet and calm dogs, but then again, they must be taught to tolerate various situations. Thus, they would not make a fuss when it is time for their grooming, bathing, nail trimming, brushing, and ear cleaning. Make sure to make a routine for the following activities daily:
- Touch their paws.
- Check their years
- Open their mouth.
- Lift their tail.
- Use a brush on them lightly.
Offer them rewards when they allow each of the abovementioned tasks to be completed without any stress. Later, it will help groom them stress-free as they grow up. This is a vital aspect as English Cream Golden Retrievers do require caring for their coats regularly.
Introduce them to real-life situations to avoid stress and anxiety later
Your favorite English Cream Golden Retriever should be exposed earlier to various experiences that they will commonly encounter when they grow up. It will help them to overcome their potential fears, and these are:
- Keeping them alone for short periods.
- The sounds of rainy weather, umbrellas opening.
- Sounds of bikes, cars, and scooters.
- Wearing a dog coat and boots.
- Meeting friendly strangers while on walks.
The more variety the English Cream Golden Retriever pup experiences in their early days, the smoother the transition from pup to adult dog will be and they would become your best lifelong companions.
Cut out over-socialization
Some dog owners tend to overdo the socialization training, as they think the pups would do great if they are constantly exposed to social life. However, too much stimulation can prove to be overwhelming for the cute pups. Watch out for signs when the pup needs a break, and these are:
- Constant yawning.
- Lip licking.
- Turing their heads away even after several requests.
- Tail tucked inside.
- Excessive sniffing and freezing
The ideal routine for the English Cream Golden Retriever
By now, you must have realized that the English Cream Golden Retrievers should practice socialization, but in limited doses. For the best outcome, this routine would prove to be beneficial for them:
- 5 minutes of grooming.
- 5 minutes of training.
- Getting introduced to a newer experience daily.
- Interacting with other humans and pets in small quantities.
- Taking them out for short walks.
- Offer them a good resting period.
Things to avoid during socialization
- Never force the English Cream Golden Retriever pups for interactions.
- Do not leave the pup in a crowded place, as it can make them confused.
- As mentioned earlier, never leave them at the mercy of untrained dogs to help the English Cream Golden Retriever socialize.
- Using harsh tones or punishing them for their mistakes.
Summing it up
English Cream Golden Retrievers are born with the ideal temperament and tend to become the most lovable family companion. When you socialize correctly, you are actually unlocking their hidden potential too. Thus, when you socialize in the right ways, they will grow up into a gentle companion who will enjoy every moment they spend with you.