Socialization does not change the pups’ temperament. Bad experiences (or good) will teach them how to react in a given situation and what was successful and owners and their skill level can help or hinder this process, but none of it will change the basic temperament of the dog.
I said it once, Jessica said it now, and I think it bears repeating. I would personally rather minimize bad encounters by controlling ALL encounters. To put it another way, if you have a stable pup (assuming someone can tell the difference at that age; many many people can't), you are not going to cause any problems by restricting/limiting encounters w/strangers. For the record,
I do feel differently about kids. Kids who are nice get to pet the dog, and the dog better damn well tolerate it (this means, YOU, Caleb) and kids who are brats do not get within 100 yards. Caleb wasn't an unstable puppy, but he was certainly not a friendly puppy who was interested in garnering affection from all corners of the Earth. Indifferent would be the best word. I did make him tolerate a quick pet by a nice child, meaning he had to sit quietly. Adults, forget it. He doesn't need to humor some adult. They want to pet a dog...they can go buy one.
And puppy socialization is more than just introducing to people, I believe. It's introducing them to tons of places/experiences. At 10 weeks and having only been in our home for one week, is that too early to take her to different parks, fields etc (where few people are - preferably)? Too much to take in while still getting used to us and her new home or the more the better?
I am not Angela, but I'll answer this anyway. I personally take them everywhere w/me. I don't know if it's coincidence, but I now have 6 dogs I can take anywhere, anytime, and not have any issues b/c my dog is neurotic. Again, temperament is genetic, and I am pretty careful when choosing dogs, but still. I think the more you drag them around with you (to safe places, of course), the less likely you are to have a neurotic animal.
I am very laidback though, and I think that tends to reflect onto the dogs. I don't make a big deal about anything, and they learn most things are no big deal. I do think it helps to have a good, calm, stable older dog w/excellent OB to go with you. Certainly not mandatory, but I do it a lot just for convenience. Between you and the other dog, your pup really get the message that life is all about different places, people, things, and 99% of them are ok, and most are even fun. He/she will be reading both you and the other dog.
You are correct about it being about more than just meeting people.
Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
Posts: 3389
Loc: Richmond Va
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I have a weak nerved WGSD and making him interact with strangers, to and him, would of been a disaster. what truly helped was a club and really controlled situations at the park on a not busy day. I did this by turning everybody he contacted into hotdog dispensers and made frequent visits to the vets for no reason at all. He's still has "issues" but he is alot more manageable.
If your puppy comes from good lines then tons of socialization would be a waste and maybe detrimental.
Your last statement is my personal feeling, but you are even more blunt than I am. I don't "socialize", period. If my dog happens to see people out and about, fine. But I never take them out w/that intent. Lines are no guarantee though. You can have great parents who can throw 10 great pups and one nervebag. The key is reading your individual dog.
Reg: 07-11-2002
Posts: 2679
Loc: North Florida (Live Oak area)
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I socialize pups to both people and more importantly to new enviroments/situations.
We visit construction sites, walk over grates, go into water, and we do meet and greet lots of people in the process. I like taking them to busy places/parking lots with lots of people walking by.
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Re: new puppy socialization
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