I just came across this excellent post from Denise Fenzi. One comment ... I'm not a fan of flexi leads, but I think that if you aren't an idiot with them it can be okay.
https://www.facebook.com/denise.fenzi/posts/3022725247759651
Denise Fenzi
March 28 at 10:45 AM ·
more thoughts on socialization:
I'm not interested in starting a war today but I was asked specifically about socializing new puppies to other dogs and people in this time of social distancing.
In my opinion, dogs do not need direct interaction with a variety of novel people and dogs. They need to become comfortable with their presence.
None of my dogs has ever gone to a puppy class of any sort. Not even one of them in the last 40 years. They do fine.
They do, however, go out and about.
I'd recommend driving your car to various locations like grocery stores, train stations, parks that have people walking/out, pet stores, post offices, Home Depot, park and rides near busy roads and the like, opening the door and letting your puppy watch the world go by. First in the crate, then maybe on your lap, and then maybe on a leash right in front of you (depends on your car I suppose).
If you have a puppy, people who walk by are going to ooh and ahh and talk nicely to your puppy - and that's enough. They don't need to pet the puppy, any more than human children need to be cuddled by strangers to get comfortable.
If you have other dogs, they will get socialization to other dogs. If you walk your dog on the street (still allowed where I am) you will see an amazing number of dogs - more than normal!) and that will do the trick. If you really really want interaction, bring your puppy out on a Flexi lead and let them interact on the end of the leash - pick your risk assessment and go from there.