Taking your puppy out at the start

[hollysh]

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Hello,

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I look after a puppy twice a day while the owner is at work (still doing it ) Its actually going well. I am getting used to her little routines. It's a few weeks on now and she is now being transitioned from puppy food to junior food. Though she's still tiny and cute

The issue me and the owner are now tackling is taking her out. She has had her vaccinations and is now ready to socialise. Only issues are that she is quite scared of doing it. As I get to the end of the driveway, she hears a dog barking from next door, big trucks coming down the street, as her driveway leads right onto a busy road. Her owner describes her as a scared rabbit and she wants me to introduce her to the outside world slowly.

What's your advice on this? She's 11 weeks old now and I have been told that puppies should 'socialise' wiith other dogs etc before 12 weeks. I was thinking of asking her whether I could take her down the beach. As she will see other dogs in a controlled relaxed environment. The dog barking at the end of the street is the fear of the unknown I think.

I am a dog walker, I also have a family dog of my own. My mum has suggested that she could bring our dog 'Bailey' to the end of the driveway, when I'm dog sitting so they can be introduced to each other. Because he's a friendly 3 year old and is of similar breed to her. I also have a spaniel I look after 4 days a week, who is 8 months old, who I would love her to interact with eventually.

When and how should this puppy be socialised and how can I stop her from being so scared of everything?

Also I should mention the owner has only taken her round the corner so far, I think to the next street along.

Thanks Holly

 

[JoanneF]

With socialisation, it's quality that counts rather than quantity. She is bound to be a bit overwhelmed, having been cocooned for a few weeks in her nice safe home; the outside world is scary (this is one of the reasons we recommend taking pups out BEFORE vaccination 2, but in a pet carrier or sling etc). So slowly does it, make sure her experiences are good ones. The main problem is that everyone loves a puppy and wants to come and stroke it. Imagine how that must be from her view, scary strangers coming to touch you - and you already out of your comfort zone. I would take her to a park or the beach and let her see other dogs from a distance. Watch her body language. If she is relaxed, get a bit closer. That includes allowing contact and play. If you see tension (ears back, eyes back, lip licking, yawning, displacement activities) take her further away. Try again later - her anxiety will gradually diminish and she can keep getting closer. If your own dog is reliable then by all means introduce them. I would do it first in her garden, so she is on her home turf, and still watch for the tension. Once they are friends, he can be a confidence giver for her.

Be particularly careful she doesn't have any bad experiences during her fear period.

 

[Kate75]

Do the vets she goes to offer puppy socialisation classes? These can be excellent for getting them reintroduced to other dogs in a controlled environment. You may find local dog training schools offer them too! We started Holly not long after we brought her home and the vet who ran ours was brilliant. She monitored all the dogs and allowed them appropriate contact and interaction. I also learnt a lot about a dogs body language! The only drawback from these classes is that Holly is now very sociable! She greets every dog we meet like they are her best friend! Even the ones that snarl and see her off!

 

[JoanneF]

Do the vets she goes to offer puppy socialisation classes? These can be excellent for getting them reintroduced to other dogs in a controlled environment. You may find local dog training schools offer them too! We started Holly not long after we brought her home and the vet who ran ours was brilliant. She monitored all the dogs and allowed them appropriate contact and interaction. I also learnt a lot about a dogs body language! The only drawback from these classes is that Holly is now very sociable! She greets every dog we meet like they are her best friend! Even the ones that snarl and see her off!

The key words here are "in a controlled environment". Some classes are a bit of a free for all which can be great fun IF the puppy is bold, but can be overwhelming for a nervous puppy. The one Kate went to sounds excellent, but check first because they aren't all run so well.

 

[hollysh]

Thanks for all your advice. As I only see her twice a day as a dog sitter, maybe not appropriate for me to take her to a puppy class. But I suppose I could ask the owner if she is planning to go to one.

I'm going to introduce her to my dog on Monday. On her driveway.

I took her for a walk across the street today and we came across a westie dog. she tried to hide in someone else's garden Luckily the woman who owned the dog was really nice and thought she was really cute. I picked her up and went up to the dog, started chatting to the woman and let her have a closer look at the dog.

I might ask if I can take her down the beach next week. she lives just up the road from a beach. I just don't want to overwhelm her too soon. But I think it'll be quieter on the beach in the middle of the day as most people are in work.

 

[gypsysmum2]

The garden would be a better option than the driveway for introductions. I would have the puppy off lead so she can move away if she wants to. The older dog should be on lead so that it is under control. Once they are comfortable together then they could meet on lead in other places.

As you so rightly say all this is a bit late for the 12 week window. Most puppies then go through a "fear period" this can be from 12/14 weeks onwards for a few weeks. Always be led by the puppy. Never try to force her to be brave. Let her move away from any situation that scares her. Picking her up is not a good idea, she needs to learn what things look like from the ground level where she will spend her life. It is very important to give her time in each situation to come to terms with it. Keep returning to any situations that she is unsure of until she is comfortable.

I despair of how many breeders do not make new owners aware of the critical window and tell them about taking the puppy out and about before the window closes. Puppies that miss this window are always playing catch up.