Hi, does anybody have any advice for pups first day out . He can go out this week after his last injection is all sorted -Yippee - cant wait to show him off!!!
just wondered if anyone had any tips for this - he can sometimes get nervous going from one place to another ( just in the house ) - although he has been everywhere in the house .Hes really nervous just going in the car to the vets . Dont want to frighten my baby if possible . How long would you keep him out for ?
And whats the best way to try him on a lead ??
Lel

I expect all breeds and dogs are different !! Ours came out with us for a 10 minute walk the first time, we had popped his collar & lead on him in the house and garden for the odd 5 minutes so he got used to it prior to the first proper walk and we did have to walk a bit & carry a bit as he semed to get nervous near crowds and excited by running children!a few days of short walks to and from school and he was soon used to the routine and thankfully at 13 weeks and 30 lbs now does not want any carrying!!
As a novice owner myself I was surprised how we pup & us fell into it so easily!!
When we met other dog owners they were only too pleased to come & say hello and let their dogs have a social session with ours and he loved this contact! I have found this the most educating part so far apart from this board!!Other dog owners are friendly and so helpful!

I met a lady walking a hearing dog today and she came over and said this has to be Montague!!! She said she had heard all about himn from other dog owners on the estate!Amazing after just 4 weeks HE is so well known ! I have lived here 15 years and am not known by many by my name!

Relax and have fun!!

Good Luck
Jude

what a great name !!!! have to make a note of it :D

The next 4 weeks (12-16weeks old ) are really important to his socialisation. during this time take him to as many different sorts of places as possible. Out in the car and on the lead to different towns and situations. Visit friends houses with him even if its only a very short visit. He needs to become confident in all situations. If he becomes nervous or frightened at anything, dont sympathise but carry on as normal, breng encouraging and cheerful. You musn't show any fear/concern about whatever he is frightened of or he will pick up your "message" that this thing is frightening. Carry him if he's small enough to begin with. A short trip somewhere new every day if possible is ideal. But dont wear him out. 10-15 minutes walking is plenty for a few weeks yet. You can take treats with you and let strangers give him a little bit as they say hello, which will hopefully overcome any natural fear of strangers. Take him to puppy/ringcraft classes but go alone first to check you like he way the trainer conducts classes.

I dont know what breed your pup is but one thing that my dog trainer told me is that never let a pup, or even dog "do his own thing" ie let loose to wander in the park. Its a bad habit that dogs can get into. Dogs must think that whatever you are doing, is the "bestest most fantastic, out of the world thing he could possibly be doing. It will make off the leash, heel work, down and stay exercises easier to train because the dogs focus will always be on you (this is especially imprtant when training dogs during the distraction phase) Try and play a game with him, INTRODUCE him to one or two new things, ie smell of a flower.
Get an extension lead. You dont want to be dragging him along, and this can be his first heel exercise(take a few treats).
I agree with Findles. Enjoy this time mate, you'll make loads of new friends and loads of people saying "dont do it that way, do it this way". I got loads of complements on my GSD pup, everyone used to come and stroke her......now 15 months later.....no-one wants to come near us.....hummmmm wonder why!!!
The most important thing is to be confident when your walk( dont fuss over him too much)...he'll get a feeling of "oh this is a little scary" and he'll look at you and think "its cool, I'm with this guy, he'll look after me" and this is the start of your Alfa male, TOP DOG, leader of the pack understanding. Look at him with caring eyes(eyes is very important, especially when he's an adolesant). He'll get to know the "THATS A GOOD BOY" look. ...oh yeah...and do what westie lover says too..its good advice

Thanks for the advice everyone.
Dont know how I'm going to take him for that walk mind you _ he HATES his lead . :(
He was fine when we introduced his collar . When the lead goes on he is like bucking bronco . We just let him wander around with it for a bit as well , without anybody pulling him but he HATES it .
O well - time is the healer as they say.
Lel

Oh bless your puppy! Paws crossed for you first day out! Julieann xxx

Glad to say- all went well !! :)
He hated the concrete floor and didnt want to walk but once he found the grass and the mud he was overjoyed . Mucky pup was in his element . Only thing was he was flabbergasted that not EVERY passerby wanted to stroke him and make a fuss . You should have seen His little face when they passed him by - he just sat looking after them !! :)