Socializing in the cold months?
 

Anyone here have any tips on socializing a puppy in colder months. I live in Pennsylvania, so the days are getting shorter and colder, much colder. I'm very shy/reserved, and don't really care to talk or interact with people very often. I know I need to start to go out in order for Leo to be socialized. I do take Leo outside and on mini walks, but not a lot of people are outside now because of the weather. Whenever I do walk past someone, and if the person looks like they want to pet him, I allow them, same with other dogs. I'll allow Leo to sniff other dogs. I want to start him in obedience classes soon (he'll be 10 weeks old soon) but the only obedience class around doesn't have it's next classes until January. The downside of living in a small town. They're also expensive at $97/class. I don't know about you, but I think that's a lot of money, and the classes are 7 weeks long. There is a dog park here, but I'm aprehensive about taking him, because people will leave their big dogs in the little dog area, and vice versa. No one cares to follow the rules at the dog park, and I don't want to risk Leo getting injured. Any tips or advice would be great!

Do you have friends or relative with dogs? I have family with yorkies of different sizes. We get together off and on through out the year. The pups get to play with each other and see people outside the family. My three are people and dog lovers!

He's only 10 weeks old? I wouldn't worry about socializing with other dogs yet. By the time he's had all his shots, rabies, neutered, etc. it will be Spring time and people will be out & about again.

Hell yea $97 for one class is expensive. That should be the whole class? Try searching meetups in your area.. Search small dogs,Yorkies ect Find Meetup Groups near you - Meetup But wait till he has had al his shots at least

I've priced classes in my area too and $100.00 seems to the going rate for 8 weeks....even Pet Smart.
Do have pet friendly stores you can go to? Or even grooming places welcome you to bring your pet in , some have doggy day care to leave your pet to play with others for a half day or full day, for a price of course.
But the box stores are a good place to go .....even specialized Dog Food Stores welcome your pet to come in and socialize....I live in a small town rural area too but I will travel to take her around once a week, it fun.

Before they have their shots you want to keep them from contact with people and dogs. The key is to take them to places that have lots of people or new sounds and smells. Just hold them or have them in a carrier. Take them to homedepot, or other pet friendly places just keep them off the ground

That class doesn't seem expensive to me, at least in this area. Agility lessons are in the $120-$150 range for 6-7 weeks. Nosework classes are like $175 for 6 weeks, I think! So yeah, pretty high.

I think a puppy class would be best. It's a controlled environment but he still gets the socialization. Once he's old enough, and up to date on shots, just walking around the pet store will provide an outlet.

I like dog parks to a point, but it sounds like yours are irresponsible. So I'd probably avoid them too.

People and dogs that you know are fine to be around FYI. Like if you had a family friend that had a dog, it wouldn't be a problem letting your pup over their house to go play. :) Socialization during those early weeks is very important.