In This Issue

The Importance of Puppy Socialization
A Veterinarian's View on Puppy Socialization
Properly Socialized
Winchester at GTC
Sophie on a Mission
 
Sophie and Sharlet

"Socialization is extremely important to a puppy for it engages their mind with things such as: playing, learning bite inhibition, and learning to read behavior and body cues of other dogs while giving them an outlet for all that energy."-- Sharlet

Meet Sophie and Sharlet.  Starting next month, Sharlet will be writing a monthly article about her adventures with her boxer puppy, Sophie.
 
Featured Image

Proper socialization creates a canine friend for life.

 
Next Issue

Bite Inhibition
 How to Recognize and Work With Poorly Socialized Dogs
Exercise Needs of Puppies


  The Importance of Puppy Socialization

Dogs view the world in terms of familiar and unfamiliar. In order for puppies to develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs, they must be comfortable around new [unfamiliar] people, dogs, and places which they may encounter throughout their lives. Operating a boarding kennel, I have seen the results of dogs that have not been properly socialized and are fearful of one or more of these components of their world. This is the animal that, at one end of the behavior spectrum, flees when approached by a stranger to the opposite end which is to snap or bite when approached.

Please click here to read the rest of my introduction to the Importance of Puppy Socialization.

                                                     Judy Granberg, CPDT

  A Veterinarian's View on Puppy Socialization

Puppy Vaccination and Socialization Should Go Together

TO: My Colleagues in Veterinary Medicine:

Common questions I receive from puppy owners, dog trainers and veterinarians concern: 1) What is the most favorable age or period of time when puppies learn best? 2) What are the health implications of my advice that veterinarians and trainers should offer socialization programs for puppies starting at 8 to 9 weeks of age.

Experience and epidemiologic data support the relative safety and lack of transmission of disease in these puppy socialization classes over the past 10 years in many parts of the United States. In fact, the risk of a dog dying because of infection with distemper or parvo disease is far less than the much higher risk of a dog dying (euthanasia) because of a behavior problem.

Read The Rest of Dr. Anderson's Letter...
  Properly Socialized


by Pat Schaap, Shenanigan Shetlands,
Clarksville, Maryland.

Just what does "properly socialized" mean when referring to a puppy or an adult? I've asked dozens of pet owners and breeders and the answer generally comes down to "getting the puppy out" to a lot of places. Only, you can't safely get very young unprotected puppies "out" to a lot of places and it's important for those critters to have exposure to the new and different parts of the world in order for them to develop into well adjusted adults. So, what to do??? Try "The Rule of 7's" suggestions from a breeder friend with a great long history with puppies and dogs.

By the time a puppy is seven weeks old he/she should have...

Read The Rule of 7's...

  Winchester at Granberg Training Center

"We acquired Winchester at eight weeks old from a very loving home. He was a very cute puppy and did what puppies do. We did the best we could with the books we read. Winchester went with me everywhere; we tried to work with him on all of the things that Ian Dunbar recommended in his book: After You Get Your Puppy.

Winchester was wonderful in his crate. He was a great truck traveler. He never learned to chew the wrong things because he was always given a “better” choice. He came to work with me; I was fortunate to be with him constantly. Time flew and he was already 12 weeks old. Although his disposition has always been very mellow, he was growing more and more headstrong. We knew there was a potential for mayhem if we didn’t find a trainer. We were sleep deprived and fatigued from watching over his every move every moment. I called a local veterinarian and was referred to Judy Granberg. Over the phone, Judy described her Puppy Day Care and it sounded cute to me. I had no idea what immediate, life changing relief it would bring...."

Winchester at Granberg Training Center...