http://www.drjensdogblog.com/socializing-your-puppy-why-later-is-too-late/
The link above will lead you to a blog post that I think is really good regarding socialization. It's very obvious when talking to various people about their pups who socialized properly and who didn't. It really does make all the difference in the world. Unfortunately I can't figure out how to create a direct link within a post so you'll have to copy and paste the above link to your browser. I can't stress enough how important socialization is... early socialization. Something to start thinking about now. Where will you take your pups? Puppy kindergarten is good but you want to make sure they have at least their second set of vaccinations on board. They'll receive their 1st set with me at 7 weeks old. Their second will be due around 10 weeks of age so about the time they go in for their first tape and post. If you attend puppy kindergarten you want to choose a place that asks for vaccination records prior to first class. That assures all pups in attendance are up to date with age appropriate vaccinations. Many places have lots of human traffic but minimal dog traffic such as Lowes and Home Depot. Some common sense regarding where you take your pups when you get them is necessary to avoid health risks but your goal for them should be that they love everyone and fear nothing by the time they're four months old. Some people fear over=socializing a Doberman will diminish their "protective". nature. While I suppose this might be true for a select few dogs, I don't think it's true for most. They know how to tell the difference between good intentions and bad. It just seems to be hardwired. But they have to know the general population is good... not just you as their owner and a few select people they see on a regular basis. As far as socializing to other dogs goes- dogs outside the home pack, try and line up some friends or family members to visit. And have them visit you in your home too along with their dog. People who you know keep their dogs up on vaccinations.
My post and the last one are not meant to harp... but I've got two dogs out there right now that despite discussing these issues with each puppy parent, I'm hearing some problems arising from some sound and simple advise not being followed. One due to loving too much to properly correct and the other due to not socializing outside the home. The first dog has become horribly disrespectful of it's owner essentially assuming the alpha position at a year old and the second, distrustful of people outside it's small circle at four months of age. A trip to Sonic or McDonalds drive up is an outing... it's not socialization. Sitting on a bench outside a mall watching people go by and allowing or encouraging them to come up to greet your well behaved pup is socialization. Carrying a pocket full of treats is always a good idea. If your pup is reluctant to greet people they need more exposure... not forced handling but exposure. You can also pass the treat to those you meet and request they give it to them. If you waste no time getting your pups out and about this shouldn't be necessary. My plan for them is to leave me as confident little Dobermans... Within a litter some will naturally be more confident than others. But they all need early socialization. I want everyone and every pup to succeed. I want them to do more than succeed... I want them to excel.
My post and the last one are not meant to harp... but I've got two dogs out there right now that despite discussing these issues with each puppy parent, I'm hearing some problems arising from some sound and simple advise not being followed. One due to loving too much to properly correct and the other due to not socializing outside the home. The first dog has become horribly disrespectful of it's owner essentially assuming the alpha position at a year old and the second, distrustful of people outside it's small circle at four months of age. A trip to Sonic or McDonalds drive up is an outing... it's not socialization. Sitting on a bench outside a mall watching people go by and allowing or encouraging them to come up to greet your well behaved pup is socialization. Carrying a pocket full of treats is always a good idea. If your pup is reluctant to greet people they need more exposure... not forced handling but exposure. You can also pass the treat to those you meet and request they give it to them. If you waste no time getting your pups out and about this shouldn't be necessary. My plan for them is to leave me as confident little Dobermans... Within a litter some will naturally be more confident than others. But they all need early socialization. I want everyone and every pup to succeed. I want them to do more than succeed... I want them to excel.
RSS Feed
