Is this a good plan of socialization for a new puppy?
Question by Em Woods: Is this a good plan of socialization for a new puppy?
We are getting a Bernese Mountain Dog in about a month and i’ve done my research and want to be as prepared as possible.
I’ve read socialization is key to they way they’ll be when they’re older and we want to be able to take our puppy with us on camping trips, walks,and visits with family so a good attitude towards people and other animals is preferable.
So does this seem like enough socialization?:
-twice a week visit to my parent’s home, where they own 3 cats, 2 dogs(corgi, and a medium mix dog) and an infinite number of visiting nieces,nephews, my sisters etc.
-puppy classes at 10 weeks old (after all necessary shots/checkups) that are 1 day a week for 9 weeks (approx. 2hours) fallowed by obedience classes when he graduates from puppy classes.
-taken to local dog parks (after shots.)
-light walks around our area.
-taking him with us when we visit friends.
is their anything more I can do to ensure he is properly socialized?
Also any tips you can give to first time Bernese owners? We are well aware of health concerns and shedding.
Best answer:
Answer by lalo_56
I think you did your homework well. Just be patient with it.
What do you think? Answer below!
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yes its a good plan but u need to make it use to other people to so walk it around town so it wont be scared of people, cause u never know when you will make new friends.
also dont make it to friendly to anyone dont want it running up to total strangers
First and most important – NO dog parks! Dog parks are not only very dangerous with all the aggressive, out-of control dogs there, but you never take a dog who isn’t obedience trained to a dog park. You also never take a puppy because they’ll be totally overwhelmed and you run a real risk of ruining their temperament, especially if attacked.
Your ideas other than that are good. The object of socializing is to take the dog to as many places as possible, let them meet all kinds of people. You obviously don’t do it all at once because you never want to overwhelm the dog.
Puppy classes followed by obedience classes are great. Its a large breed and needs training, plus classes are a great place to do socializing under controlled conditions.
Your breeder will be the best person to advise you as to correct breeding and exercising for a large breed puppy, so ask all your breeder all these questions.
Unless the dog parks around you are very well run and attended by scrupulous owners, I would steer clear. I have seen some really nasty behaviors at dog parks and would hate to think of how that could scar a pup.
Otherwise, you are off to a good start. Sounds like they will meet children at your folks’ house, but it also sounds like it will be the same group of children. I would at least once hang around outside of a day care or elementary school so he can meet more kids. Libraries and local grocery stores are great places to go for him to meet a wide variety of people, as well. Hold him rather than placing him on the ground if you are concerned about disease from other dogs.
I HIGHLY recommend the books Before You Get Your Puppy (download for free here http://www.dogstardaily.com/storefront) and After You Get Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar. The former has detailed socialization information and both are just phenomenal for new puppy owners.
Congrats on your pup! I love Berners!
Yes those are all good starts. I have a few suggestions, just things to keep in mind.
Don’t rush things, if your dog is not comfortable in a situation step back, look at it from his perspective and slow things down.
I have always found it to be of importance to expose them to noise. I’m not suggesting taking them to an air field, just keep in mind that noises may be just as scary if not more to an animal. The day I brought home my first dog I immediately started socialization and I had a patio at the time. I lived in a noisy neighborhood by the interstate, a school and a shopping center. It was never quiet there. However, I am glad that I had all of that noise. She learned immediately not to be scared of things. I have other friends who’s dogs did not adjust as well because of this fundamental difference. They are startled by loud noises and can’t focus when there are noises around them.
A few trips to pet smart or petco is always a good idea. It introduces the dog to other animals on leashes in a different setting (in a store instead of in a park).
Oh and take it in the car with you.
Start training your dog immediately, don’t let it have bad behaviors that go uncorrected because it is so cute and cuddly. Be firm from day one and you will never regret it. Part of the point of socializing is to teach it how to behave in those situations, so watch what your dog does and decide what is appropriate or not in your opinion. If you ever have to chastise your dog remember that it is even more important to let it know what behavior you want it to do instead.