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May 18, 2011

What are our options for socializing our puppy? Do you feel that this level of socialization is unnecessary or is there another way you recommend going about this?

Full Question:
Hi Ed,



I have been reading your articles and been searching the discussion forum as well but I was unable to find the answer to a question I have about socialization. I have a GSD puppy arriving in a few weeks and have been watching your Basic Dog Obedience DVD. I have read your article on dog parks and am glad I did. I also read that you do not recommend having your dogs interact with any unfamiliar dogs along with very few people as well (Who Should Pet My Puppy?). Not knowing very many people with dogs, what are our options for socializing our puppy?



I have read elsewhere that in the first 6 months to a year (with weeks 7-12 being critical) it is very important for your dog to meet lots of dogs and people. Do you feel that this level of socialization is unnecessary or is there another way you recommend going about this?



Thank you,
Lyn
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
You have an excellent question.



It is important to socialize a puppy from a very early age. If you are lucky enough to get a pup at 8 weeks then that's when you starts and in reality it never ends..



My definition of socializing puppies is not the same as what you have described below. In my opinion a pup should be exposed to as many places and people as possible. But the goal is that he should become neutral to those places and strange people. For me strange people are those who are not part of your family pack. I do not allow strangers to touch my puppy. Nor do I allow the pup to interact with strange dogs.



Those who recommend allowing strangers to pet your pup or those who recommend allowing a dog to interact with strange dogs lack experience and don’t understand pack drive.



I want my dog to feel comfortable in strange places. This means take him places and play with him. If he has a problem playing in a new place, back off the location until you find a place he will play. Then continue to take him closer and closer. With the goal being that he is comfortable in the new place. You cannot over do this.



The only dogs a young dog should be around are adult dogs that 100% are aloof to young dogs. I want an old dog that wants nothing to do with the young pup. It basically ignores it. With that said the pup is on always on leash and not allowed to jump all over this adult. The pup is only allowed to be around the older dog. This allows it to see that the adult dog is not aggressive to it also sees that you don’t allow it to play with the adult. I want you to be something to play with not the other dog.



Those who allow pups to play with adult dogs are risking too much. If the pup irritates the adult and the adult dog strikes out at it there is not only a risk of injury but also a risk that your pup will become dog aggressive for life. One incident can result in the attitude of “the best defense is a good offense.”



Your goal is to become the center of this dogs life, to become its pack leader and to make sure it is safe. That's key to your relationship with the new pup.



I have a saying that I often pass to new pet owners. That is “everyone has an opinion on how to raise and train a dog. Just ask your neighbor or your brother or your hair dresser. The problem is few people have the experience to allow them to pass on accurate information and that's why there are so many bad training ideas floating around out there.”



You may wan to consider getting my DVD Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months.



Kind Regards,
Ed Frawley

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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