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How to socialise a puppy before injections

tim_smithtim_smith Posts: 772
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Hi.

I have a lovely 8 week old Labradoodle, and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas how to socialise him. He's not able to go out properly for another 5 weeks, so what's the best way to get him used to people, (I will take him to puppy classes).

I have a two year old springerdoodle and three cats so he used to my animals.

Any help would be much appreciated. Was considering taking him out in a hold-all and introducing him to people that way, is that a good idea, and is it safe?

Thanks
Elizabeth.

Comments

  • molliepopsmolliepops Posts: 26,828
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    #2
    There is only one way, carry him/her we took our Chihuahua Betty everywhere and she is fantastic, not fazed by much at all and not at all yappy unlike any chis, Elsie Labrador we carried then as she grew too heavy into a shopping trolley and again took her everywhere. One thing really helps IMO is sit outside a big shop we have a small complex containing waitrose and boots etc with seats outside and I sat there for an hour a day with them when they were small and quickly learned people walk past and dogs walk past and it's safe no one is going to hurt them. Loud noises we take them to places where they will hear sudden noises and traffic etc.

    There is no limit just take them everywhere but don't put the on the ground.
  • tim_smithtim_smith Posts: 772
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    #3
    Sounds like an excellent idea Molliepops.

    I'll pop him in a bag (although he's getting huge now), and socialise him that way.

    I'll not put him on the ground or let him sniff other dogs.

    These weeks are so important to his development. Molly my springerddole missed out due to my husband's illness prior to his death, (although she is coming along fine now), just want to make sure Max is better developed.:)
  • molliepopsmolliepops Posts: 26,828
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    #4
    I agree I just wish everyone would do it, we would see far less dogs in trouble if they did.
  • tim_smithtim_smith Posts: 772
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    #5
    Max has just had his first injection and didn't even notice as the vet had kindly given him a treat. He was so busy scoffing it he didn't notice the needle.

    We are going to a Puppy Party next Monday, that sounds fun.

    The vet gave me some dog food, a huge bag of it free, but it looks very expensive. It's called Hill Science Plan and is supposed to be grade 1. Human food is grade 2.

    He gets his second injection in two weeks and can go on the ground two weeks after that.

    Meanwhile, I'll take him out in my holdall to meet people.

    He's also getting the snip at 5 and a half months :p.
  • CollieWobblesCollieWobbles Posts: 27,290
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    #6
    Pick him up and carry him. Best places to go are, a shopping precinct, outside a school at home time, a busy dual carriageway ( stand on the kerb and watch the traffic go by), a train station and a park. Carry the puppy to each of these places then sit down and watch the world go by, giving little treats when he remains calm. He will get used to the hustle and bustle of life, and by visiting each of these you will have pretty much covered everything socialisation wise without his paws touching the ground!

    And one more that's a good idea, WHEN he's had his jabs is the vets waiting room. Animals generally hate the vets because they only really go there when in pain or hurt or they get pain and hurt whilst there so they learn to associate the vets with somewhere bad. If you take him there and sit in the waiting room for a few minutes a few times when nothing will be done, he will learn not be so anxious when he does have to go there as he won't know what to expect:).
  • tim_smithtim_smith Posts: 772
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    #7
    Hi.

    I carried him to a school this afternoon and he loved the attention and passed lots of noisy buses etc and he was great. I will keep on doing this. Had Molly my springerdoodle as well and we all had a great time.

    Good idea about going to the vets just to sit.

    Thanks.
  • MuzeMuze Posts: 2,225
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    #8
    Remember you want him to have POSITIVE experiences.

    If he shows he is fearful or stressed in any situation, then remove him from the situation.

    i see too many people forcing terrified into overwhelming situations in the name of socialisation.

    The experiences he has now will stay with him forever :)
  • Si_CreweSi_Crewe Posts: 40,202
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    #9
    Must admit, I've never really taken many specific precautions.

    As a puppy, you're not going to be able to control your dog off the lead anyway so he's always going to be on the lead and, in that case, you have complete control over what he does and where he goes.

    I recall my lab' was absolutely determined that she was going to get out and see the world for herself at only about 8 weeks old so, rather than keep her barricaded in the garden, where she spent all her time trying to escape, we just started taking her for 5-minute walks (on the lead) onto the grassed area behind our house.
    That was enough to satisfy her curiosity and to tire her out so we got some peace for a couple of hours.

    My first spaniel was a bit less sturdy but she was equally stubborn.
    I started off carrying her while I took my lab' for walks but, after a couple of days, she just started wriggling furiously because she wanted to be on the ground, doing what the lab' was doing, so we got her a lead and let her walk on the field until she was tired (usually after only a couple of minutes or so) and then we picked her up and carried her until she got excited again.
  • molliepopsmolliepops Posts: 26,828
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    #10
    Si_Crewe wrote: »
    Must admit, I've never really taken many specific precautions.

    As a puppy, you're not going to be able to control your dog off the lead anyway so he's always going to be on the lead and, in that case, you have complete control over what he does and where he goes.

    I recall my lab' was absolutely determined that she was going to get out and see the world for herself at only about 8 weeks old so, rather than keep her barricaded in the garden, where she spent all her time trying to escape, we just started taking her for 5-minute walks (on the lead) onto the grassed area behind our house.
    That was enough to satisfy her curiosity and to tire her out so we got some peace for a couple of hours.

    My first spaniel was a bit less sturdy but she was equally stubborn.
    I started off carrying her while I took my lab' for walks but, after a couple of days, she just started wriggling furiously because she wanted to be on the ground, doing what the lab' was doing, so we got her a lead and let her walk on the field until she was tired (usually after only a couple of minutes or so) and then we picked her up and carried her until she got excited again.
    I would caution against that depending on what area you live in, we had a parvo outbreak here back in the spring, several puppies died. Not something I would want to risk.
  • tim_smithtim_smith Posts: 772
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    #11
    Muze wrote: »
    Remember you want him to have POSITIVE experiences.

    If he shows he is fearful or stressed in any situation, then remove him from the situation.

    i see too many people forcing terrified into overwhelming situations in the name of socialisation.

    The experiences he has now will stay with him forever :)

    Hi.

    Don't worry, he will never be traumatised, ever. I am very gentle with him and he's having a ball. :)
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