Puppy Socialization

[AdrianRosses]

Just wondering what i can do to better socialize my boxer puppy. I want him to be good with all sorts of people and other dogs.

[Marylou Mader]

Visiting pet stores that allow is a good idea, of course puppy class is good too. Going to dog parks should be done with caution, as dogs running loose and not knowing the disposition of each dog could result in problems, doggy day cares, that have knowledgeable staff, having any friends with dogs and meeting for play dates. Maybe your breeder has placed littermates near by that you can link up with as well :0)

[bruinsBoxers]

Let the puppy meet as many new people as posssible ( all ages , sizes , loud , quiet , handicapped ,wearing hats ,glasses , etc...)
Let him hear as many new sounds and experiences as possible .

Be sure NOT to show concern or soothe him if he should get scared . As this may only reinforce the scared bahavior.



I use the rule of 12 with my puppies . I do this before the puppies leave my house .
PUPPY’S RULE OF 12

Make sure all experiences are safe and positive for the puppy. Each encounter should include treats and lots of praise. Slow down and add distance if your puppy is scared!
By the time a puppy is 12 weeks old, it should have:
(If over 12 wks start right away)

Experienced 12 different surface: wood, woodchips, carpet, tile, linoleum, cement , asphalt, grass, wet grass, dirt, mud, puddles , grates, uneven surfaces, on a table, on a chair ,tarp ,plastic, leaves , etc...

Played with 12 different objects: fuzzy toys, big & small balls ,cloth / soft toys, hard toys, funny sounding toys, wooden items, paper , cardboard items, milk jugs, soda/water bottles, metal items, tunnel ,tent , bones, umbrella , etc...

Experienced 12 different locations: front yard ,back yard , deck , driveway, other people's homes, school yard, lake, pond, river, boat, basement, elevator, car( not moving) ,back of truck( not moving) ,moving car, garage, laundry room, sink , bathtub, kennel, vet hospital (grooming salon (just to say hi) etc...

Met and played with 12 new people: (outside of family) include children, infants, toddlers , adults (male and female) elderly adults, people in wheelchairs, walkers people with canes, crutches, hats, sunglasses, etc...

Exposed to 12 different noises: (ALWAYS keep positive and watch puppy's comfort level-we don't want the puppy scared) garage door opening, doorbell, children playing, babies screaming, big trucks, fire truck , airplane, motorcycles, washing machine, shopping carts, power boat, clapping, pan dropping, vacuums, lawnmowers ,hammering , air compressor , nail gun , tractor radio , television , school bus , music ( both loud & soft), keys, etc...

Exposed to 12 fast moving objects: (Don't allow to chase) skateboards, roller-blades, bikes, motorcycles, cars, people running, dogs running , cats running, scooters, children running, squirrels ,chipmunks, leaves blowing ,
horses running, etc...

[Ruby Red]

Very, very interesting Missi, never really had to think about any of those things.

Once your pup has had its vacs, get it out to mix with as many dogs as you can - small dogs, big dogs - all colours and breeds. Be aware that some adult dogs don't like puppies much though and that pups cannot always read 'go away' signals very well. I have walked a couple of dogs from pups - I keep them on an extension lead and let them greet other dogs, but I always watch the other dog very carefully, if I see it's not happy then I call the pup away with a happy voice [keep calm don't stress] give the pup a treat and say excitedly come on let's go find some other friends or something like that anyway.

Another thing I do with the pups and with my own dogs is work really hard on getting them 'fixed' on something like a toy or a ball that they only get to play with when they are outside. Honestly, it's a great weapon to have in your bag for emergancy recalls and so easy to get them interested when they are young - much harder when you have adult dogs. Also, throughout the walk I periodically call the pup ask for a sit, praise and treat - this all helps with establishing recalls as well.

Do you have a vets or a trainer near you that run socialisation classes for pups? A properly run class is great for letting your puppy mix with and play with other pups, something like this I'm thinking of puppy socialisation and training classes

[Ron]

we took Newman to a puppy socialization class. It's a great way for your pup to meet other dogs and people in a controlled environment.

[Team Clark]

Our Newman needs a socialization class too! He's 4mth old and freaked out so bad at the vet this time he broke all the blood vessels in his eyes and urinated/deficated all over the table....he's NEVER acted like this before. SO the vet said he needs puppy socialization classes ASAP.

[Ron]

your Newman sounds like our Newman. Maybe Boxers named Newman are all bad!!!!!

[Doreen]

Remind me to NOT name any future dogs Newman

[crboxer]

It is official, that name will not be on our list, lol!!!

[Scooby]

Team Clark, I'm not sure if puppy socialization will help your Newman feel more at ease at the vet! I'd suggest bringing him there more often, just to visit, so he gets used to it as not being a bad place. Have the staff there give him treats and stuff
I do this often with my boxer puppy, and she's quite a fan of the vet haha.