Socialising your pup
Dogs and children
Socialising your pup
It is very important to socialise your puppy from the first day you get your
puppy home. Carry him to shopping centres, etc and take him out in the car,
register at a training school. Manners begin straight away, simple things
like not allowing pup to jump up, at four months he is heavy enough to knock
over a toddler. With the anti dog brigade so evident we must err on caution.
Some vets will advise you not to take pup out until after all inoculations
have been completed. This is about three months of age and pup could be over
20Kg in weight. This is too late to begin taking him out. Choose where you
socialise sensibly, take him to clean areas where he can mix well with
inoculated dogs and sensible owners. Avoid too much exercise, drive to the
area and drive home again. Don't let pup jump in or out of the car at this
early stage. Check with your vet if any diseases are rampant in your area,
parvo, lepto, etc. If they are then perhaps a little further drive will
allow your socialising to start earlier.
I am personally guided by Neil Ewart from the Guide Dogs whose advice is
that Guide Dogs are out beginning their puppy walking training as early as
six weeks, if there was a high risk factor they would not do it.
Dogs and children
Dogs and children need time out from each other, right from the beginning
set house rules. Pup should not be picked up, a wriggly pup can be dropped
causing damage to growing bones, which may not show up till later on in
life, causing arthritis etc.
Children should be encouraged to sit on the floor when cuddling pup, this
will build bonds just as quickly but without accidents. Demonstrate to
children how to approach pup, with hand held palm up under the chin and then
stroking gently. This will help discourage mouthing which should never be
allowed. A hand over the head is often taken as a threat to pup and can
cause hand shyness. The use of an indoor kennel gives pup time out, but
never use this as a punishment. It should be a nice place for pup to be.
Children and dogs are a great combination but both have to learn to respect
one another and this is a taught behaviour. You as parents must take control
of all situations and teach this behaviour, neither dogs or children can do
it on their own.
