Editor’ s Review
Puppy Socialization 2.0
How to raise a socially healthy dog
By Sydney Bleicher, KPA CTP and Peggy van Dam
Self-published by Sydney Bleicher. Released Dec. 16, 2024; 80 pages; Where to purchase: Amazon US, $ 19.95 paperback; Amazon CA, $ 28.40 paperback.
There cannot be enough books to stress the importance of puppy socialization.“ Puppy Socialization 2.0: How To Raise a Socially Healthy Dog” is one of them. The authors are Sydney Bleicher and Peggy van Dam, the co-founders of the Ultimate Puppy, based in Toronto, Ontario. Sydney graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy, is a Certified Fear-Free Professional and TAG level 2.
It was Peggy’ s experience with her adopted Labrador Retriever Yukon, however, that inspired the creation of Ultimate Puppy. Yukon developed aggression toward small children and other dogs, and after much research, Peggy concluded the root cause was likely Yukon’ s poor socialization as a puppy. That experience led Sydney and Peggy to found Ultimate Puppy and collaborate in publishing guides, planners and books to help pet parents socialize their puppies. This latest book was dedicated to Yukon.
The 80-page guide offers 14 chapters:
• Puppy Socialization Foundations
• Canine Body Language
• Best Games to Use When Socializing Your Puppy.
• Guidelines for successful puppy socialization
• Puppies and Children
• How to get out of sticky situations
• An Illustrated Guide to socialization
• How to rock your routines
• Highrise living: Tips for Success
• Strategic socialization aimed at future goals
• Are group puppy classes for you?
• A deeper dive into socialization
• Lucky puppy: Next steps
• Resource Library
There is lots of valuable information, but for me, the Social Schedule checklist on how to socialize a puppy from birth of 16 weeks was tops. Getting your puppy used to its surroundings and environment is crucial in its development. Without this socialization, pet parents can end up with dogs fearful of new environments, even to the point of refusing walks or experiencing life outside of their domains. The
reason most often given for poor socialization? The fear of going out before the puppy vaccinations are completed.
The authors address this issue, saying“ the risk of not socializing your puppy is potentially greater than the risk of disease. If you wait until your puppy has had their final round of vaccinations, you will miss out on this period of development.” That doesn’ t mean you can haul your vulnerable puppy to the dog park. The authors explain puppies can be introduced to other dogs you know that are healthy and vaccinated. They can still be taken to pet-friendly businesses and go on walks.
The book is filled with easy-to-understand information on puppy growth, especially how a new pet parent can help their puppy through the fear stages. The illustrations and graphics also help in visualizing a dog’ s body language. For those who live in a city with high-rise apartments, the book explains how to introduce a puppy to the elevator and proper evaluator etiquette. Live near the water? The book explains how to introduce your puppy to be comfortable around boats and paddleboards, walking on docks or wearing a life vest.
There is a chapter on games that provides step-by-step instructions on how to play with your puppy and what the real-life uses are, such as getting your puppy’ s attention with the use of the word“ Skedaddle” or“ Ready!” Another is a sniffari treasure hunt, which is a great way to engage with the puppy when the weather doesn’ t allow outside playtime or walks.
Particularly useful in this book is troubleshooting puppy behavior that needs to be corrected, such as pulling toward other dogs and people while on a leash, or the puppy is afraid to walk in the dark. Sydney recommends making the ordinary extraordinary, such as setting time aside each week to do grooming and nail trims. As all trainers know, starting early with basic grooming is crucial, especially for those who own doodles of any combination. Introducing grooming tools – the sounds and vibrations – will make life much easier in the long run.
From its easy-to-read, no-nonsense advice and tips, all beautifully illustrated, this guidebook would make a great gift any trainer could provide to new pet parents attending puppy classes.— The editor
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2025 47