as you are all aware im due to pick up a boxer pup on saturday (7wks) being a singleton, i would like him to have as much socialisation as poss. . what is the best way to go about this. puppy classes are booked. i realise this is a crucial time and would like to get it right
em

thanks for your time

Well you cant take your new pup out untill he has been fully vaccinated....8wks and then again at 12wks and you have to wait 2wks after that to be sure.

I have a 13wk old pup and the best way to socialise them is with friends or family dogs, you must be sure that they are vaccinated and carry no diseases (cant risk the pup) but apart from that you should be fine, let them play together inside away from other dog mess. Your pup wont really be interested untill he is 10wks or so, at 7wks they just sleep, the slightest bit of excitment tires them out :)

All you have to do is just protect the pup, dont put him down outside or take them to a place where other dogs go (apart from the vets lol).

We also have to wait for puppy classes as ours are booked up lol, but in the mean time we have built a good foundation by introducing him to 'safe' dogs.

Roxanne

Hi Emma,
Guide dogs for the blind did a study about the socialisation aspect of pups and found that the weeks between 6 and 12 are very important. They suggest to carry the pups around with you (obviously don't put the pup down outside as he isn't fully vaccinated) but the sounds of traffic and people and hussle and bussle of the outside world are best got used to asap. Also be careful around other dogs, because although they may be vaccinated, therefore protected, your pup will not be and a vaccinated dog can still 'carry' illnesses without necessarilly showing symptoms. As already suggested friends and family's houses are good experience too, and visitors to your house, as will travelling in the car. :)

if i spend a couple of days bonding and then go out and about would he then turn to me for a bit of reasurance if he gets a bit scared? what is the best way to reasure him if he does get scared? at the moment he runs off to his teddy. aahh bless
em

p.s sorry barage of questions. is it unvacinated dogs and dog doo, or is it that an unvacinated dog could been in that location as well? my apologies for being daft.

Hi

I would carry your pup to as many places as you possibly can.... take him out in the car a lot too to get him used to that. Go into town and let your puppy sit on your lap and get used to the mountains of people coming up and fussing him, especially children. I did all this with Willis and he is not nervous at all now :)

That sounds fine Emma - give him a few days to settle in and get used to you and his new surroundings, then start carrying him out and about, riding in the car etc, and gradually taking him to as many places as you can before he gets too big and heavy to carry!

If you live at the coast it should be reasonably safe to let him play on the section of beach between high and low water, especially when the tide is still going out - all that ground has just had a good wash!

As you realise it's not just dog mess and unvaccinated dogsthemselves you must avoid, but also the ground where an unvaccinated dog has walked......not an easy task!

Hope this helps.
:)

I used to carry Star about until she would allowed out at 12 weeks. She loved to go to the school to see kids. We have a couple of dogs along the road that were up to date with vaccinations so Star could play with them. Star also used to like sitting at the window just watching and listening.

I was told there was a lot of parvo about in our area so kept Star in the house completely (not even allowed in garden as it is a communal garden) until 12 weeks.

Hi Emma

There is a new vaccination out which means that your dog can socialise much quicker. Talk to your vet regarding this. Some Vets have socialisation classes at 8 weeks the area where these are held are specially disinfected to clear away signs of Parvo and other ailments

The very important time is
7 to 14 Weeks
Human Socialisation Period. The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but his attention span is short. This period is when the most rapid learning occurs. Learning at this age is permanent so this is a perfect time to start training. Also, this is the ideal time to introduce the puppy to things that will play an important part in his life. Introduce the puppy to different people, places, animals, and sounds in a positive, non-threatening way.
8 to 10 / 11 Weeks
Fear Imprint Period. Avoid frightening the puppy during this period. Any traumatic, frightening or painful experience will have a more lasting effect on the puppy than if it occurred at any other time in its life.

With regard to your question on reassurance when he gets scared NEVER EVER symphathise with your Puppy as the sympathy can stimulate the start of Phobia's such as fear of fireworks, lorries. Thunder etc the sympathy is considered by the dog as confirmation that the fear is real and therefore you are praising it and reinforcing the fear.

The best thing to do is act totally nonchalant at all signs of fear. in the case of fireworks go in the garden and play your dogs favourite game.

And finally your question ""p.s sorry barage of questions. is it unvacinated dogs and dog doo, or is it that an unvacinated dog could been in that location as well? my apologies for being daft"

The parvo and other viruses can live in floorboards earth grass etc for up to two years and deposited their by defecation etc from foxes dogs and sometimes other animals that have these diseases

Regards and best wishes with the new dog

Doglistener

thank you for your time im sure i will have a barage of questions to come. i will ask the vet about the early jab. i live in buckinghamshire which has some excellent walks so the sooner we can get out and about and have as many experiences together the better

Hi Emma,

My boxer pup is now 12 weeks old (that's FLOWN by!), and can go out now, but from the time I had him, I started going out for 'carry' walks, just around the block, maybe an outing in the car, so that he could see what the outside world looked like, and so that when it came time for him to go for actual walkies, he wouldn't be nervous. I also introduced him to lots of different kinds of people - besides having my 3 boisterous sons for company, he has met men, women, motorbike helmets, all kinds...

Once he had his jabs and could go out, which was only just over a week ago, we have been into town, so that he can get used to the noise and traffic, to the park, to the shops, (I love Pets at Home - the only shop I have found so far where I can take my dog in!) etc.

Last night was his first time at puppy class, and I had so many comments on how confident he is, so it must have worked!

Good luck, and I bet you can't wait!!! What colour are you getting? Where from? Boy or girl? :)

he is red and white with a black mask (at present he is more fawn), with little white toes. to be named bradley.
he sort of chose me. he was woken up looked at the breeder turned and saw me sat on a chair and came straight over and sat on my feet with his little tail wagging. picked him up and had alot of kisses then he went and curled up on my eight year old and went to sleep. his choice was made and so was mine.
the dame who does not like men went and sat with my partner. to the breeders amazement. so the breeders happy, pups happy and im chuffed
can't wait.
em

aaah emma he sounds gorgeous, i bet you can't wait to get him.i've been lucky with amber as we've got the other 3 labs, but the vet still advised me to wash their feet when we come in from walks to avoid infection from unvaccinated dogs.Ammber is 11 weeks now and we've been taking her out in the car, and carrying her to visit friends and relatives.i want her to get used to all sorts of people cos my silly boy lab really hates men, due to lack of socialisation on his previous owners part.
Anyway emma have you had any more weird dreams?:)

no its still termites around dead wood with voices from the simpsons all very strange. wierd because the termites talk about malumites... do you think its because i watch to many programmes on animal planet? or ive got a few sandwiches missing from my picnic. or my thermos flask is not operating at the right temperature. mmmmm.

Hi Emma
Bet you cant wait. I pick up my Bichon a week on friday, I am counting the days. It was interesting & helpful reading the many comments, Am I right in thinking that I will be able to take Molly to my sons house before she is vaccinated?, they have 2 labs both fully vaccinated.
regards Pauline

Hi...

You should be fine taking your new pup to your sons house as long as you are confident that although they are vaccinated they have never been ill, Even after vaccination animals that have been ill can still be carriers.

One other thing refering to the reassurance when taking the pup out socialising, if he is scared dont fuss or be soft with him, you need to act like nothing has happened and the pup will respond to this by thinking there is nothing to be scared of, if you react and fuss him when he is upset you are confirming that there is a need to be scared and are more likley to end up with a slightly nervous dog.

Im counting down to Monty being able to go for proper walks...infact this weekend he is able to go out...(still cant do steps so looks like its flat all the way lol)

Good luck with your pups :)

Roxanne

only 22 hours to go. not wishing away my life or anything
emma

hi emma
i bet you're excited today!!try and chill out and brace yourself for the next few weeks settling in with your pup.they are sooo worth all the work and hassle.amber is nearly 12 weeks now, and her fave trick is emptying the water bowls as soon as i fill them up, she literally dives in them and tries to swim!!she's having her 2nd jab on tues so we're excited that it'll be walkies time in 11 days.let us know how you get on:)

ive cleaned up the garden ensuring no bulbs are hanging around. checked fencing is secure. cleaned the house from top to bottom. bradley's bed is all plumped up. the nieghbours think the queen is coming or the house is on the market. i feel like a little child inside, anxious and excited all at the same time. wierd
have you tried your pup on the lead if so what age did you try the dreaded collar?. ive bought bradley a very soft collar thats not to thick.
weve got our first check up at the vets on monday, just to ensure hes healthy. im sure he is. so i was goining to try the collar on sunday so i have something to hold on to just incase he trys to leap off my lap at the vets.
emma

it's like getting ready for a date isn't it except bradley will be better looking.lol:)my 4 labs are all asleep at my feet cos i'm on the pc.gonna try and walk two of them later but still feel a bit wobbly with this ****** ear infection.now i know how the dogs feel when they get dodgy ears.:)anyway emma what time are you picking his lordship up tomorrow?

the breeder says i can arrive as early as i like. i imagine the M4 will be busy it probably be about 8.30-9am. should i take any water? kitchen towls? it will take about 1 1/2 hours to get home again

ive never had ear ache but my collegue used to suffer with them alot, it made her feel quite miserable. i don't believe she used herbal remedies though i think she relied on medicine and a hot water bottle. i u feel better soon.
em

when we went to collect amber i wrapped her in a blanket and kept her on my knee and she fell asleep, but it was only a half hour drive from the breeders.i also took a packet of baby wipes and a towel for accidents but there wasnt any, luckily!!
i have been putting amber's lead on her collar and walking her round the back garden, she seems ok, but the fun will start when she goes out with the other 3.i think i'll take her out with the oldest, poppy, who is really good on the lead, and hopefully it will rub off on her.
Good luck for tomorrow:)

Hi Emma
Well I hope the journey went well & Bradley has arrived safe & sound, how have your first few days been? busy I guess. I am on count down now, pick Molly up on friday. Hope all is well.
Pauline.

sorry just to add have you tried sucking boiled mints or steam inhalation
apparently this helps with intial pain. nose drops from the pharmacey has also been advised but get advise from the pharmacist on that one.
hope this helps a little
em

i will try the mints, thanks and steaming but i've got ear drops from the docs and am hoping they will start to work soon.im impatient when im in pain:(

Good Luck Emma, hope it all goes well on the big day!!
I am doing the same in 19 days time (nearly counting the hours). Let me know how it goes :)
My journey is going to take 3 hrs. Has anyone got any tips and what should I take?
Sam

Good luck Emma - I have had my new puppy now for 2 weeks (now 10 weeks) and he is doing really well. As others have said socialisation is so important - Logan has been going out 2 or 3 times a day just to meet passers-by, look at traffic etc and is taking it all in his stride.

I first put a collar on him the day after he arrived, just for 10 minutes and have gradually built up th etime he wears it and he is quite happy with it on now - he will also trot happily round the garden with a lead on with a bit of help from some yummy treats or a squeaky toy.

I am having great fun with him, though it is very hard work, but it is lovely having a puppy about again.

Lisa
xx

:) Hi Sam..

My journey was long too...2 hours home..I took a blanket, kitchen roll, old towel, bowl & water oh and newspaper...actually we didnt need any of it the pup slept all the way home on my knee, but its better to be prepaired just incase of car sickness, or pooping (can happen when there is a change or they get excited)

Good Luck with your pup, im sure you will be fine.

Monty is now 14wks old :) and has just started going for walks and has decided he now knows how to climb the stairs lol, time to get a gate i think.

have fun!

Roxanne

Roxanne,
Thanks for the help. I hope he will sleep the full journey but as they say, better safe than sorry :P
He is also called monty!! - what breed do you have? Mines a beardie :)

lol...He is a Miniature Schnauzer :) Awww i love him to bits....His personality has really developed over the past couple of weeks, little terror that he is lol! - Monty is quite a common dog name but i loved it and i thought that it went really well with our other dog Boston :)

Hi
Thanks for the comments. I am on count down now, due to pick Molly up on friday, toys, bowls, collar,lead, bed, brush, all ready just waiting for our important little bundle of fun. Then chaos will begin I am sure, still its all worth it. Lets see if I am still so sure in a couple of weeks!
Pauline

We took Kujoe our new Bordeaux puppy down to the car boot on Sunday, he is now 10 weeks old and weighs in at just over 2 stone, he caused quite a stir and had a lot of attention payed to him, which is what I really took him for to get him used to as many people as possible. I carried him round and my arms have still got pains where I did not know I could get them, but I believe the sooner they meet as many people and situations as possible the more chance there is of him growinging up afraid not of things, and he just accepts every situation as normal. He went for his second injection this morning, the young vet, one that I had not seen before, told me he should be wormed every 2 weeks untill he is 4 month old.This really seem exessive to me.

The two week regimen is only needed if you are using the old Piperazine wormers, otherwise monthly to six months is fine, and thereafter 4 times a year.

Hi Britney
I picked up my Bichon on friday night (Molly), had an eventful weekend, trying not to respond in the middle of the night when she crys, not really sure if she needs to go out to wee so its difficult isnt it, going to take Molly out tomorrow, to start her socialisation, I seem to be spending my time at the moment, in-out-in-out for wee's hope shes trained before winter!, still shes worth it, hubby besotted. The breeder had wormed Molly every 2 weeks, not sure what our new vet thinks for the future will check on friday when Molly has her first injection. Regards Pauline

Hi Pauline, took Kujoe down the car boot this morning,it was so good he could walk by himself as we had finished his injections, and had 10 day at home.He was great it was only his second time on a leash out walking, but you would have thought he had been doing it years no problems went to everyone that stopped to speak to him, when he had had enough he flopped down all his wrinkles came forward and he looked like the pound puppy cuddly toy's Then he was carried the rest of the way. He has stopped makeing a noise in the night and did not wake up untill 10.30 this morning then shouted to be out.Think we have the house training cracked now.Hope you have as much fun with your puppy as we are with him

Hi Britney,
I cant wait to take Molly out, shes only 7wks so a little longer yet. Glad the training going well, any advice for night time, did you ignore Kujoe in the night if he cryed? I am confused as to whether take Molly out at least once or just try & ignore the crys> Pauline

We has 3-4 sleepless nights, but we made sure he had a play nad been out for a wee before been put to bed.Altough he made a lot and noise, we totally ignored him, once we made sure he was cosy, we put vet bed at the top end of his cage and gave him his toys in his crate, with the vet bed it mad sure if he had any accidents that he was not layed in the damp as the lets the moisture through, so they are not lying in there own wee, we have a run made out of puppy panels so if want to do anything he comes out to the newspaper, so his bed is getting soiled, It took a lot of doing but once we had sure he was comfortable and had his supper and water was available he soon settled day, as he knew it was a waste of time as no one came.

Hi Britney
Things getting a little better, Molly now only crying for 20mins at bedtime, just ignoring it bit is then awake about 4.30, getting up then staying up, had a couple of accidents in her crate during the night, the house training not progressing yet, although she does occassionally wimper so I just rush out with her, trouble is she also wimpers when she is tired so its sometimes confusing, I am sure it will just all click into place soon. We have actually be talking about getting another bichon for company, my son has 2 labs & they play together, am I mad or what! I work so thought it might be good to have 2, hoping to reduce my hours soon (what better excuse than a dog to cut down on working hrs). Hope alls well with the walking & your puppy is getting used to his lead ok. Regards Pauline.

Hi Emma - After our lab Gemma had all her injections our vet invited her to a 'Puppy Party' which they held at their own surgery. Gemma loved it. The vet made sure that all the pups had been vaccinated and they all had a goody bag full of biscuits and toys, you should maybe ask your local vet if they hold such 'parties' in your area, it was really good for the pups, good luck with yours.

Lesley