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Socializing puppy with other dogs
Desmond is 12 weeks old, and is great with people. He's gentle and greets very calmly. But when it comes to other dogs, he's only ever been around his siblings/parents. He gets really spooked when dogs bark at him and runs back inside the house.
I want to socialize him with other dogs, so that he can be less scared and build up his confidence, but I don't know how to do it. He does not have all of his vaccinations, and won't until the end of June, so I can't take him to the park or where many other dogs have been. (is it okay to take him into pet stores? I've heard mixed reviews on this...)
I would meet him with other dogs we know, but very few people we know have dogs, and all of the ones that do have very hyper, excitable, and vocal dogs.
I'm just a little worried, because I always read that this age was the "prime" socialization period..
Does anybody have any ideas so I can safely introduce him to other dogs without worrying about his vulnerability to illness?
Asked by
Desmond
on Jun 7th 2009
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in Socialization
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- This question is closed.
Best Answer
This is one of the biggest concerns I think new pup owners have. There is so much out there about socialization and these key times to do it. When we adopted Jack, one overzealous trainer told us that we'd have to introduce him to 5,000 (literally) new people and dogs in the next two weeks or he'd be at risk for being "undersocialized."
Really, there IS something to this. Dogs do need to be socialized with people, other animals and also just basic situations. And there definitely ARE times to do it when the dog is more receptive to it and isn't in a fear-imprinting stage.
Ideally, dogs get socialized early, but not without their shots.
I would absolutely NOT take him to parks, on walks or to pet stores until one week after his shots. If you have "safe" dog friends, have them come over to his own yard to play. Excitable and vocal is okay. The idea is to get him a blend of exposures.
After his shots, socialize away...he'll be FINE.
Jack answered on Jun 8th.
Other Answers
Answers
Don't worry too much about this being the "pivotal" point in his socialization. Acquiring an illness is more of a threat than that. Its a good idea to not take him out of the yard until hes been fully vaccinated. It's not gonna ruin his socialization, trust me.
Guest 093148
answered on 6/7/09.
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Hi Desmond!
I agree with Remy - you can wait until your shots are done to start socializing with other dogs, especially since the dogs you know are not good candidates for teaching manners. When I was 4 months old I went to the pet store and went on walks. When I met other dogs on leash, I got too rambunctious, and my trainer recommended that I meet other dogs, off-leash, to avoid fear and aggression issues.
After my shots, at 5 months, I went to the dog park for the first time. I was "beat up" a lot at first - nothing serious, just the older dogs correcting me when I went barreling up to them to play. Eventually, I learned to stop and be still when an older and/or bigger dog went after me, and my quiet, calm behavior was rewarded with friendly advances from other dogs.
I went through a phase from about 11 to 18 months, when I wanted to boss around and "beat up on" younger dogs, but my mom kept a close eye on me, and I learned to "leave it" when she said I was getting too rough. GL!
Katie
answered on 6/7/09.
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I would like to know where you read 12 weeks is the prime period of socialization. Real world experience confirms the studies by behaviorists that 12 weeks marks the end of the period where puppies are most receptive of new experiences.
The period between 6-12 weeks is a dangerous time. One sniff where a sick dog relieved itself in the last 6 months can bring on parvo or another life threatening disease. Fail to expose it to strangers, including men, women, children, noise, etc. and you could end up with a misfit you can't take out in public. They also need continuing contact with other dogs, but it must be limited to ones you know are getting good care. This link has some helpful ideas on safely socializing a young puppy, www.apdt.com
It is just a matter of finding well taken care of dogs. A mix of ages is best. Younger ones to play with and older ones to teach no means no.
Aster
answered on 6/8/09.
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