Socialization Idea... and Question

[cJw314]

The pup we're considering will be @ 10 weeks when/if we bring him home. Those vital 2 weeks seem like hardly enough time to "see" as much as he can.

In trying to come up with safe ways to meet people, I was considering taking the pup somewhere with a lot of foot traffic - local mall? shopping center? - and happily allowing pets and kibble handing.

I'd love to have puppy parties, but hardly have... say 80? hehe... other people to invite.


Also... how can you socialize a pup who isn't finished with shots to other dogs when you want to avoid places where lots of dogs... are?


Thanks in advance!

 

[CaliTerp07]

I know the training facilities here offer free "puppy parties" where pups between certain ages just romp around. They only require certain shots.

 

[Dekka]

Socialization, or puppy classes. Do you have a farmer's market? You could carry your puppy (if its small enough) through the crowd.

And even though the window is small (time wise) you can do lots of socialization afterwards. Its not as ideal, but IME works quite well as long as the pup is young.

 

[Barb04]

I carried my pup when I went to stores. You could socialize the pup with other friendly dogs that you know and are vaccinated.

 

[Maxy24]

Bring him to bus stops at times when the kids get on/off. Great way to socialize with kids, plus some parents bring their own dogs to pick kids up, so it would be a good way to get small scale dog-dog socialization and make friends with people who own dogs that your dog could play with in the future as well.


Tucker got to meet on leash dogs on his walks or at the park and farmer's market. I didn't really worry about any illnesses. He wasn't allowed to walk on the floor in pet stores, vet, or any high traffic dog place like that. But at least in our area, I don't worry about adult dogs in the neighborhood having parvo. Then once vaccinated he started puppy class. And, greatest thing ever, our petco has puppy play groups twice a week, two for small dogs and two for large dogs. For socializing a normal (not shy) dog they are great. They are a half hour long each, and are free. I don't know if all petcos do this, they never had it online or anything, I just happened to be there one day that they had one and I saw pit bull puppies so I went over to see and one of the owners told me about the play groups.

 

[HayleyMarie]

I got Teagan when she was a puppy and I socialized the CRAP out of that dog. I took her to the DP when she had all her shots. It was a good way for her to meet lots of other dogs and people, children.

Camping was another good way. There are so many different smells, sounds going on while camping. We took her boating alot as well, which was a huge sucess.

I took her to a dirtbike track, there are lots of people there, loud noises and people walking around wearing helmets and weird outfits. Loud noises dont even phase her. I also got her used to a shotgun being fired.

I took her everywhere with me. Even if it was just a quick stop at the gas station.

I did not take her to puppy classes, but I would reccomend them. Set your dog up for sucess!

 

[cJw314]

Great ideas... >.>

Let me actually recount the pup's meetings;

In 48 hours, he's met 13 people and ... 3 dogs. None of the dogs were within ten feet, though. I don't know that many safe, adult dogs... and he's so widdew. : \

I was considering making a trip to the daughter's class - that'd knock out 25 ppl in 30 minutes...

Farmer's Markets here in KY are outdoor, and therefore only during the summer. Sucky... I'd love to have fresh year round; he'll be going with us for sure.

 

[cJw314]

I realized today that there's a college campus 15 minutes from my house, full of young people who'd love to meet an adorable puppy. :facepalm:

45'F is a little cool for stranger cooperation... but maybe if the sun's out.

 

[Danefied]

Look at training facilities - many host "puppy socials" where puppies meet other "safe" puppies and play and interact in a controlled environment.

Remember socialization is not only about meeting people and dogs (and other animals), but about the pup having POSITIVE experiences. Some pups get totally overwhelmed in big crowds or with too many people hovering. Make sure you pay attention to pup's body language and keep the interactions positive for him/her

 

[SailenAero]

We started puppy social hour at our local PetCo when Aero came to us at 10 weeks. We also started walks and visiting friends and family. Lots of times you can find a place where they will allow your pup while he is still getting shots. Some might tisk tisk me about taking him socializing before he had all his shots - but he never had problems, never got sick, got all of his shots in the process and now has life long doggy pals. He's even participating in classes with doggies much older than him - I chalk it up to his early socialization that gave him a boost in the right direction.

 

[mycutekitties]

Great ideas! I'm looking for ways also.

 

[Renee750il]

I've never had the experience that socialization is a finite window I had to wait until Kharma was 10 weeks old before I could pick her up (Shiva had sliced her side open on something and had staples and a drain that an 8 week old puppy would find FASCINATING ) and she's about as close to bulletproof as possible . . . and she's a FILA.

We did the farmers' markets, home improvement stores, plant nurseries . . . any place anyone walked in with a small dog I took her. We still do that. Occasionally you'll see me strolling through Lowes with a 150 lb. Fila on leash

 

[clintcora]

I didn't take my dogs out to places where other dogs were until vet clearance. In the meantime, I had people come over to visit us at our house. Also meeting people on the street was okay. One thing you have to remember is that for many dogs, their fear period is still within 11 weeks so don't go crazy bringing a new puppy everywhere until after that fear period.

Puppy kindergarten will also be a good thing.