Polly, I think it is good that what you did worked for you and your dog but the reason I do not suggest allowing people to pet and touch and play with a young pup is I want to teach them that strangers are nothing terribly important. That strangers are not going to come over and touch him all the time - a dog that believes strangers are going to approach and pet and coo will either be overly concerned about strangers or always looking to strangers to receive that affection.

If you want a friendly dog that practically drowns strangers in slobbery kisses then I do suggest having strangers play with and pet and give treats and love on a well adjusted stable social pup. But some pups will not respond well to this. Some dogs do best when they don't have to worry about strangers poking and prodding them.

If a pup is nervous and you flood them with people and touching and noises and sights and smells all at once you can cause a bigger problem. If the pup is worried and isn't given time to adjust before being grabbed at and over stimulated you create more worry and stress. A dog can resort to protecting himself if he feels the owner/handler isn't doing so, and strangers become a threat because the dog wants to keep them out of his space.

It can be a good thing for social pups, it can be good for well adjusted pups, but in general I want a dog that ignores people. Not a dog that is concerned that strangers might touch him, or a dog that seeks out attention from strangers thinking they are going to give him a cookie.

and I do agree it depends on the dog and the owner and the situation.. hence: "...but how far I introduce strangers depends on the dog, the living situation for the owner/handler and dog, etc."

Rusty was always an extremely stable pup, which is what I wanted. He is just not the kind of dog who threw himself at strangers, or shied away. He never slobbered over others, he did lick some kids. I never let anyone poke and prod him, no-one grabbed him, even children were closely supervised. I just wanted to make sure that he was comfortable around children from an early age, as my older dog clearly saw them as a threat, or prey. We sat outside the playground, and if kids came up with their parents, gentle petting was encouraged. There were no problems. There was only one time that someone touched him without my permission, suddenly a passing stranger literally bent over and kissed him on the nose when he was about 6 months old. I was astounded. If he tried that with my older dog, the guy would be missing some skin.

As he grew, believe me, everyone asked before touching him, no-one wanted to find out after the fact that a full size GSD was not friendly. I now have a stable dog that enjoys a little attention from a stranger, but is hardly a golden retriever in temperment. I think there is a balance between letting everyone play with a pup, and keeping everyone away, and for my purposes and my pup, I think this socialization was the correct course. Compared to almost all my neighbors, I am a serious dog owner and trainer.

Working dogs are a completely different matter, I have no experience there, but all the posters here who do this kind of work restrict their dog's contact with strangers, I assume it is for a good reason.

I'm not talking about only working dogs I do this and recommend this style of socializing with pets, too. It depends on what the owners want and what drives and traits and temperament the pup has.

I do allow people to touch and pet a pup, but only after first allowing the pup to get used to the sights and sounds and smells of the environment. I introduce people in stages, how fast it goes along depends on the pup, but I still condition pups that strangers are neither wonderous treat and love machines or scary monsters, they just are and unless they do something noteworthy are best ignored.

I currently have a companion dog that is very aloof to strangers. I just prefer my dogs that way though this one is the most willing to please happy go lucky rascal with those of his human-dog pack, he has a firm dislike for large brown or white trucks and uniformed men carrying packages. But that is how I like them.

My concern in walking my puppy is Parvo, and due to the number of dogs in the neighborhood, I just haven't dared to take her out for a walk. Maybe I will.

I have my GSD simply for a family dog that will at least look intimidating and have a good bark. She is however very smart, and I told someone the other day that I am hoping she isn't too smart for me, to be a family dog. I am hoping she doesn't make me do advanced training in something just to keep her happy. LOL I also have a 16-month-old Golden/Doodle. She is very sweet natured, does not bark, has never growled.....thus the GSD. She is just now 11-weeks-old.

If your not completely comfortable with taking her out just yet I wouldnt. Find other ways to exercise for a couple more weeks-Letting her play ball with you in your back yard is usually enough exercise for a 11week old pup and it will help with the bonding. You can still take her to family and friends houses for socialization or take her in your car and let her sit with you in the car outside a grocery store or place where theres people and let her watch. I would ere on the side of caution, I suppose the time you think Oh she wont catch anything could be the time she does. I live in a small town so I personally didnt feel like walking around the block was that big of a thing-not alot of dogs, etc. but if you live in a big city or with lots of dogs around that maybe different. Have fun with her, you will have many years to take her for walks (and hopefully not the other way around! LOL)

Hi ...

I take my pup out in public, but I generally hold him, unless we are in a place I know other dogs dont frequent.

In just the last week, he went with me to the UPS Store, Coffee Bean, Bank, Post Office etc,- just so he can become familiar with different sounds, people in uniforms, etc.

Ive been doing this since he was about 9 weeks or so.

Deb

Debbie I wouldn't recommend carrying the pup everywhere as the point of socialization is for the puppy to become comfortable and relaxed in public etc. If you carry a pup it is not on its own and becomes overly dependent on you to protect and well, carry it.