Now is a Good Time to Start
Primary socialization is of great import and begins the moment puppy comes home (or preferably before, with a responsible breeder or good foster home). "Firsts" are very important to canines, and we have a limited amount of time during puppyhood when novelty is more easily accepted into their norms than at any other time in life. With respect to training, the same "firsts" rule applies in your home! We'll set you up for success and begin teaching puppy what is expected, right from the start.
Depending upon the study, scientists estimate the window of socialization for canines to be between the ages of 8 to 12 or 16 weeks of age. It's fairly long period of time when compared to that of most other species (humans excepted), but you'll find when you are actually raising your puppy, the time slips away very quickly. As is so often the case, taking full advantage early saves time (and money), later.
Depending upon the study, scientists estimate the window of socialization for canines to be between the ages of 8 to 12 or 16 weeks of age. It's fairly long period of time when compared to that of most other species (humans excepted), but you'll find when you are actually raising your puppy, the time slips away very quickly. As is so often the case, taking full advantage early saves time (and money), later.
Stay Safe
Although imperative to puppy's emotional and behavioral development, socialization is confounded by the lack of complete vaccinations which support puppy's physical health and well being. Puppy's last round of vaccines generally happens around 16 weeks, coinciding with the closure of the socialization window.
You and your vet can decide on what the safe zones are - the places that match your precise comfort level for balancing health and socialization. Once you've let us know which places are a "go," and which are a "no-go" for paws on the ground, we'll do our foundational skills learning in the "go" zones, and our socialization everywhere else - while puppy stays safe in a stroller, arms, or some other 'above ground' method of transport.
You and your vet can decide on what the safe zones are - the places that match your precise comfort level for balancing health and socialization. Once you've let us know which places are a "go," and which are a "no-go" for paws on the ground, we'll do our foundational skills learning in the "go" zones, and our socialization everywhere else - while puppy stays safe in a stroller, arms, or some other 'above ground' method of transport.
March, 2015. Bunny watches children at play in the Mission.
Get Outside; Be Wise
Trainers carefully monitor puppy as they take in the world around them, pairing good things with the sights and sounds puppy notices while out and about. We put extra focus on those things that experience tells us may become a challenge later on as puppy matures.
A wide variety of positive experiences to novel stimuli is the goal, but there is a caveat: a lack of exposure is better than a traumatic experience (one that causes a significant or extended fear response). Thus, where we go and how quickly we progress to busier/louder/bigger places, depends on your puppy's level of comfort each day.
A wide variety of positive experiences to novel stimuli is the goal, but there is a caveat: a lack of exposure is better than a traumatic experience (one that causes a significant or extended fear response). Thus, where we go and how quickly we progress to busier/louder/bigger places, depends on your puppy's level of comfort each day.
Early Learning
Training for behaviors such as coming when called, chewing toys instead of clothing, leash walking at your side, and other basics like "sit," "down," and "stand," takes place in your home or in safe zones you've identified for us (such as your backyard or hallway, or other spaces you are comfortable with). The balance between 'out of doors' socialization and learning the basics is fluid based on your goals and puppy's needs.
Socialize with Other Dogs
When most puppy owners think about socialization, other dogs is often the piece that first comes to mind. It is important for puppies to meet and play with other puppies several times over the course of these critical weeks. Outdoor Education SF is not the ideal forum for this until puppy is fully vaccinated, because it takes place outside and not in a dedicated 'puppy only' space.
Some people will choose to have us take a calculated risk and introduce their puppy to appropriate other pups at the waters edge, or in a safe zone near their home. Others prefer their puppy not be on the ground at all, and in that case, we can still help! We highly recommend our sister program, SF Puppy Prep, for outstanding puppy socials (you go with your pup), and our fabulous day school, which is a great addition to your puppy's socialization plan. |
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Stay Current
It takes a village to raise a canine, too! We'll be in touch along the way, and encourage you to update us on changes you're noticing, too. When we work in parallel, we maximize progress!