Socialization Help! - Page 1

My GSD puppy is 14 weeks old and I was wondering what public places can I bring him to socialize him? Also, when does the socialization window close? I brought my puppy to Wal-Mart last night and did pretty good outside the entrance of the store but this morning we did Wal-Mart again but we where kicked out of the premises! Maybe a customer complained; I hate that person! Please help me.

Dre

How about getting into an obedience class?  Puppy class is the best start, though I don't recommend interacting w/ other dogs til you know who is ok w/ others.  My SchH club does NOT allow the pups to interact, so they will be focused on the lesson of the moment, which to me is fine!
Fields where kids are playing soccer, ball, etc where dogs are welcome are another spot, even if they arent interacting w/ people.  Don't push your pup, small doses are best for the age.  Walking trails, parks, farm markets are usually open to puppies.
 Around here, the greenhouse/garden center industry is very busy and most are ok w/ pups on the premises.  I took my 10 wk pup today to a GH and he had a great time,  I was watchful on what he sniffed, and was very cautious on his every move, it went fine. Because of fertilizer, you may not want to go this route, but by the time plants are ready for sale, there is very little to none fertilizer in the sales area.

Dre,
Start with friends and family, not public.   Don't go to Walmart.   Do you or your friends have kids in school?  School events.
Small groups with controlled situations.  Don't try to do it all in a day.
You should begin training so you have some control over your dog as part of controlling these situations.   I start at six months with real obedience training.  Others may do it differently.

The door never closes on socializing, there will always be a new place to go and new people to meet.  Also animals to encounter, noises, objects, there's just no end to new encounters, just make sure things are thought out and strive for positive experiences and enjoy it.

Plan ahead, control the situation, strive for positive results, avoid bad situations, find as much diversity as you can, include everything you and your dog will encounter, then add the odd things you never figure on, be creative and don't rush or push.

When your dog is obedient and confident, then go out and meet the public.

Moons.

I have a new pup that started the day after he arrived going on a daily walk in the park with my wife and I. He was enrolled in a puppy class the next week. We have had him for 3 month or so, and he has literally been somewhere away from home every day since we have had him. Some days, it might be nothing more than a trip to wal mart, and he waits in the vechicle. Other days it is training class, walks in the park, where all sorts of activities are going on, skate boarders, tennis games.

Any activity you involve your dog in is socialization. Just take him with you.

Best,
Rik

I am working on this with my girl now as well.  She is 18 weeks old and she was the "runt" of her litter.  When I picked her up her littermates has already been gone for over 2 weeks, leaving her with no playmates.  She was very shy.  She is starting to come around a bit more now.  We find pet stores that allow pets inside to be the best.  There she gets to meet other friendly dogs as well as their dog loving owners.  We also just started her puppy training class on Saturday.  Luckily it was a small class so she didn't seem to be too overwhelmed, and we had her half brother enrolled too so that was comforting to her.

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the helpful comments!

Dre

ps. Im only 18.lol I dont have any friends with kids but i have a little brother and sister though.

Dre,

Just make him your best friend and enjoy each other.

Wish I was 18..

Good luck with it.

Moons.

I go along with Rik.  Take your pup with you whenever humanly possible.  Everything is 'new' to him and will help.  Be certain to avoid any conflicts - you want each outing to be a fun, happy one.