Delayed socialisation

[Shoskyns]

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Hi all

I'm back with another question!

We got our whippet puppy on Saturday. She was 15 weeks old and had had her first jabs 12 days before. She comes from a home with several dogs of different breed and size, but mainly whippets/Italian greyhounds.

I took her to the vet on Monday to have her second jabs, only to be told our vet doesn't do the same brand of vaccine as the breeder, so we need to start the course of injections again. That means it will be another 3 weeks before our puppy can be taken out for walks etc. by that stage she will be 18 weeks old.

I'm concerned that we are missing the main socialisation time. We have carried her down to the school gate (2 min walk) twice today and she has met lots of children and some adults there. We have had several visitors at home already so she's meeting a few people and she's had two rides in the car.

She was shaking so much in the car (not surprised) and at the vet (again, not surprised) and also to a certain extent when carried to school. I am aware that whippets can be a particularly shaky breed - she shakes when it's a little tiny bit cold outside too! Generally, she seems a social little thing and interested in everything.

Any advice on how I can provide her with maximum socialisation before her course of jabs has taken effect?

Many thanks.

Sarah

 

[goldenbear2013]

Unfortunately when it comes to meeting other dogs, you are just going to have to wait.

The best thing you can do is enroll her in puppy classes so she gets the best socialization possible as soon as she is able.

Keep up what your doing and she will be fine.

Whippets do have a nervous disposition and do become very worried easily (so I have been told) so just using positive reinforcement (a treat, a fuss, a cuddle whatever you want to do) when something new is happening and she is reacting well will make her realize that all is well in the world.

If she becomes stressed or anxious try and ignore her if you can, or get a toy and start playing with her, so the negative turns to a positive. You don't want to reinforce her bad reactions to whatever it is she is reacting to as otherwise she will become more frightened.

And for now get her a little coat. Whippets don't have much fur and with her being a pup she may be a little cold. Coat for outside and a warm water bottle for her bed

xx

 

[Shoskyns]

Thank you SO much for your reply. I'm trying to find a puppy class. We live in the scottish highlands and are a 40 minute drive along very wiggly roads to get to the nearest town. She's had two journeys in the car so far, and has been very car sick no matter how carefully we drive. I will try and find her a wee coat to keep her cosy on trips out.

Thanks again,

Sarah

 

[gypsysmum]

She can meet vaccinated dogs in their own homes and they can come to you.

Do try to get her to Puppy Classes.

Your vet may be able to give you something for travel sickness. There is a drug called Cerenia, available on prescription, that works really well. Sometimes they just need to find out that they can travel without being sick for it to be cured.