Puppy socialisation from 8 weeks on

A

Andalla

Forums Regular
Hi everyone,
It's just wonderful to report that I'll be getting a new pup on Saturday. One of my most pertinent aims in raising my new pup and family member is socialisation during the critical 8 - 12 week window. I plan on having a lot of friends and family over, for safe and low key socialisation. However, I would really love to socialise my new pup with other dogs during this period as well, however I am aware that this would be somewhat risky as he would not have had all his shots yet. The dogs he would be socialising with however are friends' dogs who I know don't have any recognisable health issues. Any advice on what I should do?
All the best :)
 
I took my dogs to a puppy playgroup. The dogs all had to have their vaccinations and it was monitored. They separated big dogs from little dogs in two separate areas. They allowed puppies to go until they were 6 months. My girls both benefited tremendously from this, they learned proper dog socialization techniqes and both Chloe and Vinca are very good around other dogs. I highly recommend this if you can find a reputable place that has a "structured" playgroup.
 
As Danisgoat said a well-run playgroup is a good place for socialisation. I also carried Merlin around so he could get used to road traffic, people on bikes, etc, without touching the ground. I know some people carry pups around in backpacks for early socialisation.

As for other dogs, as long as they are vaccinated and healthy it should be fine for your guy to meet them. Though I would do this in your garden not in a park, as you don't know what other dogs have been in a park.

After all, if you had a dog at home already you would let them meet.

In fact one of the most high-risk places for catching diseases you can take your puppy is the vets for his vaccination! My trainer told me that and it does make you think!
 
Wish there were puppy playgroups where I live! What a great idea. We did puppy class where all dogs attending needed to show proof of vaccination. Mystique loves it but it is only one day per week.
We basically take her everywhere with us for socialization....carried or in her crate before her shots were complete. Lots of walks in town. We live in a very high seniors area and boy is that great for attention for a new puppy. Playgrounds are great for meeting kids. We avoided the dog parks until all shots were done but did take her places where she could see other dogs walking.
Congratulations on your new puppy! Make sure to share some photos.
 
Just thought I would point out that it is great you will take him to meet your friends' dogs who are healthy, but do make sure that they are also nice and pleasant dogs! Socialization is about exposing the pup to pleasant experiences. If he's taken to places or to meet dogs or people or other things that freak him out, it may affect him in the future.
 
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