Sixteen weeks of careful exposure.

Calm, friendly humans of varied looks. Quality over quantity.

• Children moving calmly
• Toddlers (from a safe distance)
• Older adults
• People wearing hats, hoods, sunglasses
• People with beards
• Someone using a cane or wheelchair
• Uniformed delivery workers
• People of different skin tones

Vaccinated, well-mannered dogs first. Then the rest of the kingdom.

• A calm adult dog
• Another puppy
• A cat
• Livestock from a distance (horses, sheep)
• Squirrels and birds without chasing
• A barking dog behind a fence

Confidence is built underfoot.

• Grass
• Gravel
• Sand
• Tile and linoleum
• Metal grate
• Wobble board or cushion
• Wet pavement
• Stairs (carried for very young pups)

Pair novel sounds with food. Volume low at first.

• Vacuum cleaner
• Doorbell
• Thunder recording
• Fireworks recording
• Garbage truck
• Sirens
• Children playing
• Hair dryer

Short visits. Carry or use a clean blanket pre-vaccination.

• Hardware store (dog-friendly)
• Outdoor café patio
• Quiet park
• Friend's home
• Veterinary clinic (happy visit)
• Car ride to a fun place
• Elevator
• Parking lot at dusk

The dog you'll need at the vet at age eight starts here.

• Paws and nails handled
• Ears examined
• Teeth and gums inspected
• Tail handled
• Brief restraint on side
• Brushing all over
• Bath
• Muzzle introduction (positive)