I know good and well that 8weeks is better, 12 weeks best, but the people giving away pups are going to bring them to the shelter like, tommorrow. My sister has her heart set on one of these (free) jack russel/beagle mutts and I don't want to say "it'll be okay" and thn not know what to do, or say "no way" and not get her one.
So what should you do to socialize a 6week old pup away from mom and siblings? We have a seven month old papillon and four cats, would that be enough to let it happen naturally?
2007-06-04 07:52:32 · 9 answers · asked by mandy 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My understanding of this is that very young animals who have not had ALL their shots should not be around other animals or in places (such as the park) where other animals have been. They could become very ill as a result.
Check with your vet to be sure. Dogs are naturally pretty social and will want to interact with other dogs so I don't think you have anything to worry about. Get to know your puppy and let him become comfortable with you and his new surroundings first. There is plenty of time for socialization with other dogs later.
2007-06-04 08:01:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Rule of seven is an excellent guide for socializing a puppy:
The Rule of Sevens
-- By the time a puppy a puppy is 7 weeks old, it should have:
1. Been on 7 different surfaces: carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, woodchips, etc......
2. Played with 7 different types of objects: big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy toys, squeaky toys, paper or cardboard items, metal items, wooden items, milk jugs, etc.......
3. Been in 7 different locations: front yard, back yard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, crate, kennel, etc....
4. Met and played with 7 new people: include children and older adults.
5. Been exposed to 7 challenges: climb on a box, climb off a box, go through a tunnel, climb steps, go down steps, climb over obstacles, play hide and seek, go in and out a doorway with a step up or down, run around a fence....
6. Eaten from 7 different containers: metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, china, pie plate, frying pan, etc....
7. Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bathroom, x-pen, etc...
Written by Pat Schaap
You just can't go wrong following this guide. And don't ever listen to anyone that tells to use a squirt bottle to train a dog. That is aversion training and it teaches your dog to fear you.
2007-06-04 08:14:44 · answer #2 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am proud of Tara!!!
No do not take a six week old pup around other strange animals.
There are just more behavior issues to deal with when the pup was not properly socialized. You will have fun getting him to leave the cats alone. Have squirt bottle handy.
Best thing to do is keep very up to date on shots and spay and neuter on time. Get them in basic obedience classes at any petsmart and go from there.
2007-06-04 08:06:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Wait two weeks after weaning and get it it's first shot. Then take it where there are people and let them hold it, pet it, play with it, etc. Don't take it around other dogs or where other dogs go to the bathroom until it has at least two of the shots in the series of puppy shots it needs. Try to get in obedience classes as soon as possible, there are plenty of people and dogs there. For now it needs a lot of cuddling and holding for bonding and security.
2007-06-04 08:04:34 · answer #4 · answered by John F 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was determined to socialize my pup bc he was going to be a 150 lb dog! Therefore, I took him everywhere. I let him experience new things. I took him to Petsmart (where you can take your leashed pet in with you) and just walked him around, letting other ppl touch him, letting him see other animals.
I would turn the tv up loud, run the vacuum, etc to get him used to noises. The more you introduce your dog to in a friendly, safe way---the happier you and he will be.
2007-06-04 08:07:01 · answer #5 · answered by jesus_is_my_prozac 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first few days might be a little rough for the puppy, but it should quiet down after that. You could try spending as much time with it as you can get in order to distract it, but keep in mind that you have other pets as well. Don't ignore their play-time wants and needs. That'll cause a lot of tension between them and the puppy in the future, especially with the papillon.
2007-06-04 08:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by Jen3 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Take the dog to the dog park to socialize with other dogs as well as people who are there. Also, make sure you have them around children to teach them tolerance early. So many people make the mistake of not bringing dogs around kids when they young and wonder why they attack children later in life.
2007-06-04 08:01:38 · answer #7 · answered by dirtytara 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
6 weeks is too young. Most shelters will keep the pups for another two weeks.
2007-06-04 08:45:43 · answer #8 · answered by 210sheep 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
6 weeks to 10 weeks is a very important time for socialization of puppies....you should try to get them around as many other dogs AND people as possible during that time and see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
2007-06-04 07:58:29 · answer #9 · answered by larry s 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋