Socialization

[Chip's Mom]

Dale will be 12 weeks old next Tuesday and he gets his third set of puppy shots Friday evening - I will ask my Vet but when do you all think it would be safe to start taking him to Petsmart (carry him of course) and out an about safely on short walks and to Chip's obedience class for a visit and maybe to Lowe's (again I will carry him there) I have taken him to my sisters and daughters but no place else. Dale is very different from Chip regarding people. If a corgi can be a one person dog then that would be Dale. He is more reserved and has a wait and see attitude around people where Chip loves everybody.

[Dillydoodle]

by 12 weeks with the shots given to Dillon, i registered him in puppy kindergarten by that point, and he was interacting with other dogs- i dont see why you cant get Dale out and about a bit...the good part about a puppy kindergarten class is that they do get to learn social skills but all the dogs that go ( or at least at my school) have their shots and are healthy as opposed to just going to someplace with other dogs that may or may not be vaccinated. I was also taking Dillon in the car to work with me by that age and he was just fine. Are you going to have Dale go to puppy Kindergarten? That was such a fun class for us!
Emilie

[Chip's Mom]

I wish I could but I don't think there is one available in this area. He already knows sit, lay down and come. Chip is teaching him. He just needs interaction with people. He isn't afraid just reserved.

[darci]

I would say after you've finished with the last set of puppy shots.

[Chip's Mom]

Cindy:

Did your vet give three or four sets of puppy shots. Chip got 1 from the breeder and three from the vet.

[darci]

We had 1 at the breeders and 3 at the vet and then rabies at 16 weeks.
He wouldnt do rabies until 16-20 weeks.

[emma]

I started taking Oliver to PetSmart and other places after 3 sets of shots. Actually, I took him across country and even to Mexico! From 12 weeks to 16 weeks we were on a socialization mission! The vet said it was fine. I believe all of that early socialization was the best thing I could do for him. He is so easy going and easily adapts to new people and situations. I feel comfortable taking him anywhere at this point - retirement homes, parks, beach, school, store, etc. He's my little social butterfly.

Now if only I could get him to be happy calm puppy around the broom or vacuum cleaner.

[milles2]

My Petsmart offered Puppy Classes. Unlike Tucker's class at the Vet, Lulu's Petsmart really put them right to work.

Do you know any neighbors or friends w/ gentle dogs that you could trust and know they are vaccinated - and arrange playdates?

Everytime I take my two out in a crowd of people and dogs I treasure the advice of "socialize, socialize, socialize".

You are wise to be cautius though.

[Chip's Mom]

My sister has dogs and Dale plays well with them. (He was a little afraid the first time) and my daughter also has dogs too so that helps. I am a socialize person so I know where you are coming from. It was really easy with Chip and I can take Chip anywhere and he is fine so I am anxious to start Dale also.

[disraeli]

My little guy was going out and socializing after his third set of shots. (I'm thinking he had two sets at the breeder's, two at the vet's).

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

Dale will be 12 weeks old next Tuesday and he gets his third set of puppy shots Friday evening - I will ask my Vet but when do you all think it would be safe to start taking him to Petsmart (carry him of course) and out an about safely on short walks and to Chip's obedience class for a visit and maybe to Lowe's (again I will carry him there) I have taken him to my sisters and daughters but no place else. Dale is very different from Chip regarding people. If a corgi can be a one person dog then that would be Dale. He is more reserved and has a wait and see attitude around people where Chip loves everybody.

Should be fine. I also recommend the puppy kindergarten classes! And start walking him around your neigborhood a bit. Not long walks just down the block and back to get him used to new things.

Peggy