The owner of Papillion puppy Chelsea had to make a decision.
She wanted to enroll Chelsea in an obedience class for socialization.
She knew that socialization is important because she knows that puppies will become fearful of – and potentially aggressive to – other dogs and people if they are not exposed to the outside world at a young age.
Here is Chelsea’s owner’s dilemna:
According to the ASPCA, puppies are most accepting of new experiences between 3 and 12 weeks old.
However, her veterinarian, and even
VetInfo, recommended that newly vaccinated puppies are kept away from other dogs and puppies until 12 weeks of age (or 6 weeks after the schedule of dog vaccinations begins). Some veterinary clinics, like The Animal Hospital, suggest 16 weeks depending on when the innoculations are given.
So by the time a puppy is physically able to attend obedience class, the window of receptivity to this type of socialization is already closed.
What to do?
Chelsea’s owner decided to have her puppy trained at home. Starting home dog training as soon as her puppy arrived from the breeder ensured that her dog will be well-behaved wherever she goes. Plus, training could begin immediately, without waiting until Chelsea’s vaccination process was completed.
To take advantage of Chelsea’s socialization window, here is what her owner plans to do:
1. Invite friends and family to her home, with and without their own dogs.
2. Take her for walks in the neighborhood.
3. Bring her along
on car rides.
4. Visit parks, hiking trails, and other welcoming places.
5. Arrange play dates with other (healthy) puppies and dogs.
This way, Chelsea will be healthy, safe AND well-trained.
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