By Samantha - May, 1st 2014

It is really hard to refrain from taking your new puppy out and about to meet everyone in your life and on your block but there are several ways to do this properly. You don’t want to stress the poor baby out and you also need to make sure they have had all their shots and are not too young to go out. There is always a risk exposing puppies to other humans and dogs when they are too young.

Next you must always use a leash for their safety until they are well trained or anytime out in a public place where leashes are required. While leash training should be done very young, you may want to invest into a harness to keep them from injuring their own necks when getting overly excited.

Here are some great tips on how to introduce your dog stress free to the neighborhood:

When you head out with your dog for the first time, you should also bring a squeaky toy, puppy designed treats for reward or incentive purposes, and poop bags to clean up after the puppy. Once outside, there are many hazards that you need to be extra careful around when you bring your new dog on that first walk. For example:Strange Dogs: During your walk you may encounter other dogs, either in yards or out on a walk as well. “Dogs may be protective of their turf as you walk by their yard, and rush and bark,” Shojai explains. “Or they may approach with a friendly wag. When the owner is present, ask how the dog feels about other pets. You don’t want the pup overwhelmed with multiple dogs — first encounters should be with friendly single pooches. Look for low, loose wags (friendly/inviting) or jerky-high-wags (possible aggression/threat).”

Environmental Hazards: Once your dog leaves the comfort of your home, there are hazards like cars, teasing squirrels and cats, viruses, and things that your dog may try eat that she could choke on. To avoid these dangers, Shojai suggests always keeping your puppy under leash control to avoid most of these issues. “Avoid the ‘retractable’ type leashes, as they allow puppies to roam an unsafe distance away, and also can teach puppies to pull on the leash perhaps to dash into the highway in front of a car to catch that squirrel,” she added.

Avoid germs: It is imperative that you keep your new dog healthy and away from germs and viruses lurking in the neighborhood. Proper vaccinations and parasite protection help to ensure all those interesting smells he sniffs from the sidewalk, grass, other pets or stranger’s shoes won’t make him sick. Avoid dog parks until your dog has received all his shots.

Children and Adults: Everyone wants to meet the new dog on the block, but an influx of new people may scare your dog. Children, especially, can be very scary. “Even if your dog welcomes adult humans, a running, screaming, tail-pulling miniature version smells funny, sounds scary and may not be considered safe,” said Shojai. “If your puppy is willing, and so are the parents, ask the kid to sit on the ground, and only then allow your puppy to approach to be petted.”

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