Question of the Week
Marcie Boomsliter
Mendon, Michigan
I like to keep things simple, easy and as inexpensive as possible. I suggest to my new puppy owners to take their immunized pup to the front of a tractor supply, farming store, pet store or lumberyard several times per week for five to 15 minutes and ask everyone who passes, “Will you please pet my dog?” It’s a pretty easy way to see success with socialization. You can even place a bowl of treats nearby (so you are not handing the visitor the treat to hand to the dog) and ask them to reward him. This is also a good way to teach him to take treats gently.
Barbara Parker
Winchester, Virginia
First of all, when they are old enough, around four weeks, I put the pups in the heart of the house. Anyone who comes to visit meet the pups, kids and adults, I encourage to sit on the floor with them. When they are older, I walk them at Lowe’s, Home Depot or Tractor Supply. They are usually welcomed there.
I have been fortunate to have many workers fixing up my house who seemed to be dog lovers, and they always petted the pups so the pups heard many noises (jackhammers, drills, hammering, etc.). Their sire and dam are also stable dogs, and it was passed down.
Bekki Pina
Oneonta, Alabama
I have used Puppy Culture for years, but for the last two years I’ve done Avidog, and my dogs are so solid and bombproof they don’t even go through fear periods. I’m a list person, and Avidog has things you need to check off every day.
Also, I always have different types of music playing, and LED lights flashing so the puppies are accustomed to flashes of lights and shadows. And I turn that off at night so they understand what nighttime is.
Iva Kimmelman
Stow, Massachusetts
I have used the Puppy Culture protocol for six years. The more you do early, the better.
I did not have a litter during the pandemic because I KNEW I couldn't do right by my puppies and therefore my clients.
People pumping out litters during the pandemic to take advantage of demand and to make money probably didn't think much about socializing.
It's a real problem with many dogs being rehomed, taken to shelters or becoming victims of euthanasia.
I know a few trainers and behaviorists who are leaving their profession behind due to stress from dealing with naive dog owners who think biting dogs can all be saved.
It's a tragedy that won't end for a long time.