Puppy Socialization

[Jeanette]

I am looking for ideas for safe ways to socialize a 13 week old. Still has those super sharp puppy teeth, not safe to take to dog park, but needs to be exposed! Any help, ideas greatly appreciated!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Try a puppy socialization class, lots of walks. Do you know anyone else in your area he can play with safely? That's what we did until he had all his shots.

[Kyoko]

I did the same thing as Carla. I took Charile to play with a friend of mine's dog, took her to puppy social group. And I still do! This way you know all of the dogs your puppy is coming in contact with are vaccinated, and they are socializing in more of controlled environment.

[nonnie browne]

Puppy class would be my number one recommendation. Take baby to meet neighbors. You want him to meet a diverse group of folks, size, color, age, smells. Even with those teeth you can supervise with school age children - this is essential esp if you are considering therapy work. Lots of walks in places you know. People love puppies and will ask to meet your pup - this is a great time to start training as well. Polite greetings without mouthing or jumping. Wear a treat bag (this should all be taught in a good puppy class).

Socialization is also about sights, smells, textures, sounds. You want him to experience pavement, grass, water, wobbly things, loud things, mirrors, and such. There are many good articles on the internet or from positive animal behaviorists or breeders that will go into this in detail. The critical time is the next few weeks. Good luck.

[Jeanette]

Thank you all for the great tips!

[Kyoko]

Puppy K teacher told us to take the puppy to Petco and other pet stores that allows dogs. So that they can be spoken to and be pet by various people. Also to take a walk during the school bus time, play ground, etc... I carry her treat when outing, so that other can give her the treats, too. ( she is on a shy side, and when uncertain, hides behind me.)

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

The Petco by me has puppy play time on Saturday's for an hour, the first 3 Saturday's of the month. Check to see if your has it. Sometimes 3 puppies show up and sometimes there is 15-20 puppies. It is free.

[Neptune]

I am confused...  if they don't have their shots done is it safe to take them to petco? 

[Jeanette]

Thanks again!

[Tammy & Gracie]

Be careful. My vet said we should stay away from dog parks and pet food stores until Gracie's shots were complete. You never know what kind of puppies/owners you may see there. I spent alot of time looking for friend's dogs she could play with as well as neighborhood walking.

[Jeanette]

My vet said same thing! Thanks!

[Lisa]

I took Barkley to a neighborhood Starbuck's and sat outside with him in my lap near the entrance. Every type of person from a police officer to little children to teenagers on bikes to grandparents with canes came by in the hour or so I was there. It was a great way to expose him to all types of people, most of whom stopped to give him a pet. He loved it, and I enjoyed my latte at the same time!

[Jackie L'Heureux]

My vet told me to find another puppy when Spencer was that age--he said puppies will not hurt each other--but NOT TO TAKE A PUPPY TO A REGULAR DOG PARK. I found puppy playmates and a puppy park. and daily walks that exposed him to people and children and dogs who were on leashes and controlled by their owners.