Hi, I'm just wondering what most breeders do to socialise their pups while in the litter?
I'm more interested in temperament than showing ability, so obviously need a dog that has had the very best start.
My ideal breed is a portuguese water dog, but I'm concerned that with so few breeders around, I wont have much of a choice.
Having said that, I don't want to have unrealistic expectations of what should be going on!

I don't know what other people do to scoialise, this is my first (and only) litter. I've been inviting my nieces friends round to play with my puppies, they're also all used to the washing machine, hoover, tv etc. I've been playing fireworks and gunshot sound effects to them since they were 3 weeks old and can now have them turned up very loud with no adverse reaction. I've had a friend bring over a very friendly, vaccinated dog for them to meet. My puppies are 6 weeks old now and have sat in the car to eat a few times, today I'm taking them visiting to a non doggy garden. The pups are very confident and outgoing and rush to meet anyone that comes in the hosue. I can't think of anything else to do until they're vaccinated, and by that time it will just be my baby left - then of course she can go out and meet people and dogs and go to a training club. Jane :)

that's exactly the kind of thing I'd be looking for. So I'm not being unreasonable in only wanting a pup from a breeder like you :)

What breed are you in? Is it a breed that typically needs a lot of socialisation (I know they all do, just wondering if it's a sensitive breed like a gsd or a bc)

It's border collies I have. My last pup came from a farm, she was terrified when we went to see her and spent three days behind the sofa when she came home - don't think this lot will be like that :)

Thanks for the tip Teri, I'll take the pups to the shops tomorrow too. I do let them out in the front garden when the school is coming out and they gets lots of attention from the passing kids.

The journey today went really well, the pups just played in the back of the car and then they weren't at all intimidated by the strange garden and new children - they had a whale of a time.

Hi Jane,

You're clearly working hard - I remember it all too well :P  When taking them out in the car, if you have a few spare helpers (otherwise means extra trips depending on litter size etc) it's worth having one (or two if you can manage) in your arms and standing outside a busy shopping centre, DIY store, garden centre etc - lots of people come to say hello to pups in those circumstances and they will be all shapes, ages, sizes, etc plus the pups will get used to other sights and sounds such as traffic, trolleys, wheelchairs, people with walking sticks/frames, baby buggies etc.

We did this with ours from 4/5 weeks onwards taking them two at a time (we had a litter of 8) and managed to work it out so that every second day each puppy had been to at least one new place ;)

HTH, regards Teri :)   

I know well done to you Jayne, i bet the people who buy your pups will be very pleased. Good luck with them.  Including you Teri excellent.

Warm regards Susan