 Socialization Question
#123537 - 01/05/2007 12:39 PM |
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One week away from puppy pick-up! I understand socialization is important and we plan on LOTS of this however I know that you need to be careful of where you take your new puppy so his immune system isn't compromised. At what age can you take him to areas where other dogs have been (ie: walking trails in the park, pet supply stores,ball fields) At the holistic pet store I found the owners have their dogs in the shop including a beautiful APBT and a Doberman. Dogs are welcome so when or should I allow my puppy to meet them? Also while my children are "obedience trained" and will respond and follow our directions, not all children are. When should puppy be introduced to "non-pack" children? Don't want to overwhelm him all at once, new place,new family, etc. and initially we plan on keeping him to ourselves for the first week or so but should it be longer?
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: KatherineDurst ]
#123552 - 01/05/2007 04:00 PM |
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Should I have posted this in the puppy section? Sorry if it's in the wrong place.
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: KatherineDurst ]
#123598 - 01/06/2007 01:55 AM |
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Don't know about anyone else here, but my pups have ALWAYS been allowed to go to parks/trails right off the bat. Okay so I don't go to DOG parks (don't do that anyway) and don't go to PETSMART, but to Home Depot, or walking in front of the mall/grocery store, sure. I don't wait till any specific age and haven't had trouble.
IMO, the socialization of the pup is more important than whatever risk of infection there might be.
As for intentional socialization with other dogs? Like pet stores? Probably around 12 weeks and you're safe. Wait till 16 weeks and you're safe for sure. If you think about it, your pup is likely no more at risk at Petsmart (or any other pet store) than he is in the vet clinic.
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: Jennifer Ruzsa ]
#123607 - 01/06/2007 07:24 AM |
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After everything I have learned here dog parks are a big NO for me. We have a beautiful park near-by - it has a great trail for biking/walking/running and two play grounds, a big lake and lots of space. It also has a dog park near one of the playgrounds but I'm planning on staying on the trails as my puppy gets old enough for longer walks. Thanks for your input Jennifer!
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: KatherineDurst ]
#123649 - 01/06/2007 05:15 PM |
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Yup, your pup's size/age will only limit the length of walk. Do your best to ensure the pup doesn't have any bad experiences (read: keep overzealous and aggressive dogs away, HOWEVER you have to do it) and other than that just have fun!!!
Also, if you plan to Dremel/clip nails, be sure not to do it right before a long walk on pavement with a young puppy. I learned that when I gave an 8-week-old malinois pup a nice bath and "pedicure" just to come home after a 1/2-hour walk around the block and see her tracking blood. I guess puppy nails are a little more tender (and the quick not so well protected) than adult nails. It's an easy thing to overlook. 
Enjoy your pup!
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: Jennifer Ruzsa ]
#123669 - 01/06/2007 08:00 PM |
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I think I may have a different perspective. I have had puppies that got parvo, it's really not fun. I would say wait until the puppy has had all his/her parvo (only parvo) shots. Those are the only vaccines I give to my dogs and only as puppies. (Other than rabies because by law I have to).
Once they are vaccinated against parvo, then take them wherever you want. But I'd say be very careful about other dogs and kids.
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: Jennifer Hart ]
#123671 - 01/06/2007 08:54 PM |
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The pup will be just shy of 8 weeks (by three days) when we get him. I will need to check with the breeder about a vaccine protocol because it has been a long time since I've had a puppy. I've also been reading about vaccines and it seems as though many are concerned about what they do to dogs - so is parvo really necessary for a puppy or will it cause more harm than good?
I'm in no hurry to "share" the puppy - with strange children or other dogs - I was just curious as to when others made the effort to start socializing their dogs and how. Thanks for a different perspective.
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: KatherineDurst ]
#123673 - 01/06/2007 09:12 PM |
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IMO parvo and rabies are the only necessary vaccines, and the only time I give parvo is as a puppy. I give 2 shots at 8 and 12 weeks. Everyone is a bit different. Then I don't give parvo or any boosters or the "regular" puppy shots ever.
At 6 months I give a Rabies because I have to by law, and then every 3 years or however often I have to based on whatever law is in place regarding Rabies.
Socialization doesn't necessarily mean that the dog has to play with people or other dogs, it simply means that they see different places and experiences and are able to handle it.
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: Jennifer Hart ]
#123677 - 01/06/2007 09:55 PM |
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Thank you for clearing that up. (shots and socialization) I just want to do the best I can for my new puppy and being able to ask questions and get them answered here has been a big relief for me. My husband is also happy that I am doing a lot of pre-work because we both know we did some not so great things with our first dog and we did have some issues - we loved him though and we miss him terribly. I am determined to start off on the right foot with this boy and let him make his own place in our hearts.
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Re: Socialization Question
[Re: KatherineDurst ]
#123683 - 01/07/2007 12:12 AM |
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I wish you the best with your new puppy!
Just wanted to add that it might be helpful to check up on what kinds of diseases are carried by your local wildlife.
For example, I have a lot of raccoons living in my neighbourhood (we probably have a family of them underneath our deck; they only come out at night) and canine distemper is quite prevalent in the raccoons in this city.
I chose to add the distemper shots to the parvo (& later rabies) as a precaution. I certainly won't do any yearly vaccines; parvo is only for puppies anyway, so no more of those. Rabies every 3 years, because I'm forced to by law, and maybe one distemper booster in a few years, depending on my pup's titers.
Good luck.
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