Puppy Socialization at beginning of 12 weeks

[AllBlackGSD]

So Gage hit his 12 week mark yesterday and so far he has met approximately 175 people with about 50+ or so of them being kids. I'd like to continue to socialize him, but how much benefit can be reaped since he has already hit the 12 week period? He does well around all new people and is very friendly and not afraid to go up to a new person to greet them. Much appreciation to this board for all the helpful tips that have been provided!

[FrankieC]

In my very non-expert opinion, I believe socialization continues throughout their lives but obviously not at the same pace. The critical stages are the early weeks and it looks like you have that covered.

By the way.. your pup is stunning

[volcano]

I brought my 8 week and a day old girl to home depot today, that is gonna be our daily walk until shes old enough to interact with dogs.

[KZoppa]

Socialization continues through life. Puppy socialization is a big step though for proper and balanced behavior as the pup gets older. Sounds like you're doing good.

[llombardo]

Originally Posted by AllBlackGSD

So Gage hit his 12 week mark yesterday and so far he has met approximately 175 people with about 50+ or so of them being kids. I'd like to continue to socialize him, but how much benefit can be reaped since he has already hit the 12 week period? He does well around all new people and is very friendly and not afraid to go up to a new person to greet them. Much appreciation to this board for all the helpful tips that have been provided!

I don't believe that hitting the 12 week mark should be the end, it is life time. I didn't get my dog until she was 12 weeks and she was in school one week later. The socialization period last forever, but its not only about people, its about places, sounds, and anything else that you can find for your pup to encounter,

[AllBlackGSD]

Originally Posted by FrankieC

In my very non-expert opinion, I believe socialization continues throughout their lives but obviously not at the same pace. The critical stages are the early weeks and it looks like you have that covered.

By the way.. your pup is stunning

Thanks for response and the compliment!!

[Wild Wolf]

You're not past the critical period yet, so get out there and socialize!

I wrote a blog article recently on socialization, may help you!
How to socialize your puppy or dog! (Dog Socialization Guide) - K9 Instinct - Dog Nutritionist, Dog Trainer, Dog Walker in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

[blackshep]

Oh my gosh, your pup is beautiful!

I agree with others, keep at it! Also, my breeder suggested feeding out of different containers, walking on different surfaces. If you live in the country, go to the city so pup can see the hustle and bustle. If you live in the city, go for a walk in the country, past cows, horses etc.

Are you doing puppy classes? I'd get on that ASAP, they require all pups and dogs to be UTD on shots, so that is a pretty safe place to let your puppy meet other dogs.

[ImJaxon]

Our dog got a lot of socialization with other puppies from other litters (or so we think he did). We got him at 8 weeks and since then he's met only about 15 friendly dogs and one that barked in his face. He tends to bark at little dogs and big dogs, but its a "lets play" bark and then when they smell butts and all that it seems to work out. He is 15 weeks now. He's met a lot of people, and we take him on play dates and to Pet Smart to see other dogs. The thing that screws it up for new dog parents is everyone tells you not to take them any where until they have all their shots. "The parvo will kill them", "They'll get sick if they don't have all the shots", from vets to breeders, to know it alls at the pet stores. It's really quite a quandary for new dog parents to try and weed through this nonsense. We took him to PetSmart and what not but carried him from 8-10 weeks, then he got too big to carry so we had some dogs come over to the house that we knew have all the shots, etc. After his second round of shots we just started taking him out as we didnt want to miss the socialization period completely.


Very cute pup you got!

[AllBlackGSD]

Originally Posted by blackshep

Oh my gosh, your pup is beautiful!

I agree with others, keep at it! Also, my breeder suggested feeding out of different containers, walking on different surfaces. If you live in the country, go to the city so pup can see the hustle and bustle. If you live in the city, go for a walk in the country, past cows, horses etc.

Are you doing puppy classes? I'd get on that ASAP, they require all pups and dogs to be UTD on shots, so that is a pretty safe place to let your puppy meet other dogs.

Thank you!

I have done about everything that I can think of to get him exposed to as many different situations as possible. He is currently in a puppy class that is taught by an instructor who has 3 GSDs who are all advanced in obedience training. He gets to play with them after the class is over along with several other big puppies that are in the beginner class so that has been worth it's weight in gold!

He will be 14 weeks tomorrow and he can begin his beginner classes at 18 weeks and hopefully he will be ready!