Good advice here.

Stephanie, I also wanted to add, if there is a shelter nearby, or a class, I would recommend that for socializing as well. When my dog was a pup I took her to about 8 puppy socialization classes offered from a local shelter. It was great.

There were about 10 pups (many different pups each time), with about 4-5 volunteers watching them interact, and breaking up the real rough play. There were some really short obedience and attention exercises, and also the pups were passed around to different owners to get comfortable being around different people. I was really pleased and I think it really made a difference in my dog.

*jaw drops*

Stephanie,
Firstly I want to say how I raise dogs is certainly not the only way. It's just what works for me.
At ten weeks I let a pup explore to their hearts content. In fact I have been allowing it for the last 2 to 3 weeks. That is in safe areas, well away from roads or other dogs. I want to iterate that, well away from roads and other dogs. If I find myself in circumstances that don't allow it in my own backyard; baseball fields are good, or idle football fields, or I'll travel to an out laying area, it doesn't really matter, just so the dog can explore on it's own terms. As long as the dog can't get into trouble that can't be dealt with then and there.
At ten weeks I don't worry about the dog out running me, and I'm old (believe me, much older then you), and I've never been real fast for the 100 yards dash. If I can do it, anyone can.
So no worries about the dog getting away. What I do during this time the dog is still absolutely dependent on me (and before it can out run me!) is shape some behaviors that serve for the life of the dog and our too short time together.........The recall, the down, and the sit.
The recall is the most important. And it's very easy (don't worry, the dog will blow you off soon enough!) at this stage, he has his nose on something clap yell whistle whatever it takes to get it's attention, then jump up and down, run away, roll and fall down whatever it takes but you are the center of the dogs universe (remember that). The dog comes running back and you and the dog have a grant time, it's running all over you, having it's way....The key is you are it's center and means of life for this pup, let learn it can depend on you for that.....You are the center. And from there you can move in any direction you want.
During this time one can also gauge what moves and drives the dog. So watch closely. It'll help farther down the road when the real training begins. You'll know what turns the dog on and can use it, believe me you'll want that info.

So spend some time with the dog, let him run on his own, have some fun. Roll in the grass or snow (as the case may be), or the front room, but have fun now. The real work begins sometime later.
He'll be able to out run you in another few weeks!

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

PS.
Any questions on that gobbly gook. Ask me, I'll try to clarify.

Oh yeah Stephanie,
I meant to mention, it doesn't take much to tire a ten week puppy on the end of a leash. So don't over do it for the the baby.
Save your energy, you'll need it later! LOL

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

Randy,

Thanks so much for your helpful words. I truly appreciate it. We have other dogs, but it has been a really long time (5 years) since we have had a puppy. You almost forget how to do it!

Have a great day!

Stephanie

 Quote: Alex Corral

Good advice here.

Stephanie, I also wanted to add, if there is a shelter nearby, or a class, I would recommend that for socializing as well. When my dog was a pup I took her to about 8 puppy socialization classes offered from a local shelter. It was great.

There were about 10 pups (many different pups each time), with about 4-5 volunteers watching them interact, and breaking up the real rough play. There were some really short obedience and attention exercises, and also the pups were passed around to different owners to get comfortable being around different people. I was really pleased and I think it really made a difference in my dog.

I just want to go back and readdress what Alex said.

I would be VERY uncomfortable taking my puppy to a shelter to socialize with other pups that are from unknown backgrounds and medical status. Maybe because I don’t vaccinate, maybe because I am anal, but shelters, vet clinics and boarding facilities are the three places I will NOT take a young pup. The concentration of bugs of all types (internal, external, viral and bacterial) is a hot bed for infection.

I feel comfortable with my boy playing with the puppies that I know the health status on and in an area where hundreds of unknown dogs have played before. Luckily we happen to have three puppies at the club right now that are all 10 weeks.

Alex is right that pups need to be comfortable with other dogs, I would just choose to do so in a different manner.

Again, just my two cents…

 Quote:

At ten weeks I let a pup explore to their hearts content. In fact I have been allowing it for the last 2 to 3 weeks.

Hey Randy??? did I miss something? Don't want to hijack this thread but is there something somewhere else??

Jessica,

I agree. Ed Frawley repeatedly discusses not taking puppies around other dogs in public because of the fear factor of an attack or aggressiveness.

We have a Chinese Pug that lives indoor and a Labrador Retriever that lives outside, so for right now, our GSD pup has a lot of socializing to do just on the premises.

Thanks again to all of you. I really appreciate it.

Stephanie

 Quote: steve strom

 Quote:

At ten weeks I let a pup explore to their hearts content. In fact I have been allowing it for the last 2 to 3 weeks.

Hey Randy??? did I miss something? Don't want to hijack this thread but is there something somewhere else??

Caught that too!

I would like to see some pics and hear the story...

Are there any games you play with the 2 older dogs that you could get your girl 'playing' with them too?

I'm just thinking b/c playing on-leash tag with Neb started from a game I play with my adult male GSD. He'll come from one side of the yard full-speed while I dive after him and get him (or not), and then he twirls and play bows and tries to fake me out while he takes off for the other side of the yard.

When Neb was little (well, we still play it) we'd play and of course Neb couldn't run at Luc's speed, so he'd pretty much always get away from us, but Luc thought it was fun, and Neb was having a ball. We'd sort of trot/run (Neb was a tiny pup) along after Luc, and then trot/run in another direction, and Neb just thought it was the coolest thing. I've always tried to do lots of one-on-one stuff with him to ensure he didn't get 'doggy', but he's also always been very excited about playing with the other dogs, and watching what they do. It tired him out not only b/c we were playing, but b/c it was SO exciting to be doing what the big dogs were doing (I know, anthropomorphic).

I'd still give you 2 adults lots of one-on-one time, but you might try incorporating your girl into existing play/games as another way to get her exercised. I'd keep her out of any rough games at this age though.