Puppy vaccination & socialization should go together APDT’s “Striving for Puppy Wellness” Socialization checklist New puppy checklist Dr. Ian Dunbar’s “After You Get Your Puppy” Purdue University’s recommendations for puppy classes AVSAB Position statement on puppy socialization

(949) 533-4860

A F T E R
You Get Your Puppy
by Dr. Ian Dunbar James

Developmental Deadlines
Congratulations! So, you have your new puppy. Now what? Basically, you are at a fork in the road. The success of the relationship depends on your teaching your puppy the rules and regulations of domestic living. The most critical time in your dog's life is right now—puppyhood! First impressions are indelible and long-lasting. Consequently, the next few weeks are crucially important for your dog's development. Help and guidance at this stage will have a profound and everlasting effect that will enrich the dog-human relationship for many years to come.

BEFORE You Get Your Puppy addressed your puppy's first three developmental deadlines: your doggy education; the search for and selection of a suitable puppy and how to assess its developmental status; and teaching household manners during your puppy's first week at home. The first three developmental deadlines were extremely urgent, crucial, and left precious little room for mistakes. In view of their importance and tight deadline, household manners will be summarized here. AFTER You Get Your Puppy will focus on your puppy's next three developmental deadlines during the first three months your puppy is at home. The clock is still ticking, and you only have three months to get a lot of things done.

The most urgent priority is to socialize your puppy to a wide variety of people, especially children, men, and strangers, before he is twelve weeks old. Well-socialized puppies grow up to be wonderful companions, whereas antisocial dogs are difficult, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. Your puppy needs to learn to enjoy the company of all people and to enjoy being handled by all people, especially children and strangers.

As a rule of thumb, your puppy needs to meet at least a hundred people before he is three months old. Since your puppy is still too young to venture out on the streets, you'll need to start inviting people to your home right away. Basically, you'll need to have lots of puppy parties and invite friends over to handfeed your pup and train him for you.

>> Download a PDF to read the entire article.