This morning, I took Thor, a charming and incredibly handsome 5-month-old puppy/adolescent, on a socialization walk. The goal was to help him become comfortable with various stimuli, including cars, people of all kinds, especially men and children. We started at a quiet, familiar park but soon ventured into downtown Santa Fe, known as “the Plaza.”
The walk to the bustling heart of town wasn’t long, but it quickly became clear that it was packed with enough mental stimulation to overwhelm Thor. As we walked parallel to the traffic, I noticed him becoming restless, and at one point, he began placing his front paws on walls away from the cars. Initially, I thought he was curious about what was on the other side, but I soon realized that Thor was actually trying to escape the busy sidewalk, feeling overwhelmed by the noise and commotion.
We continued carefully but quickly to a larger intersection. As I pressed the pedestrian button, the loud, forceful voice of the signal saying, “WAIT, WAIT, WAIT,” startled Thor. He looked around anxiously, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from, unable to focus on me or take any treats, his eyes darting in all directions.
As we moved onto a wider street, Thor began to relax, chasing leaves as they fell to the ground in various shapes and speeds. When we finally reached the Plaza, we encountered all sorts of people—individuals and groups admiring the historic buildings as they listened to their guide. We even approached a man playing a strange instrument. I rewarded Thor frequently, offering treats every time he noticed someone, tried to approach them, or interacted with his surroundings out of curiosity. His handsome looks attracted a lot of attention, and many people stopped to ask about him and offer him a tasty morsel.
As we headed back, the difference in Thor’s demeanor was striking. Where he had been overwhelmed and hesitant, he was now relaxed and curious, with an open mouth and a calm body. He responded to my cues, took treats eagerly, and was no longer holding his breath with tension. As we neared the narrow, noisy street leading to the car, I introduced the “Find It!” game—a simple yet effective activity that helps a dog navigate a challenging environment like a busy sidewalk café or noisy street with something fun and engaging to do. Thor eagerly chased the treats I tossed close to him, clearly enjoying the game.
Though still aware of the traffic, Thor could now handle the noise and activity. He alternated between sniffing leaves and eating treats, showing just how much progress he had made during our outing.