settling in and socialisation
The thought of bringing home a new puppy can be exciting and overwhelming at once. When the puppy arrives at his new home, there is a whole new environment to explore, different people, places, etc.
After the puppy is used to his new home, gradually begin to take your puppy out and widen his environment.
When taking the puppy out, try to insure that there have been no sick puppies and that other dogs have been vaccinated.
Begin socialisation from the age of 8 weeks. It is important that the puppy learn his social skills with other dogs and humans.
Although it could be difficult, try to insure that the dogs the puppy encounters, are vaccinated and in good health.
It is a condition of training at most reputable Obedience Clubs that an up to date Vaccination Certificate is produced for verification.
Socialise your puppy with care, until he has had his 12 week vaccination. This means exposure to responsible people, their environments & their dogs which have most likely been vaccinated against disease.
Take the puppy out and around shopping centres, parks, etc. to meet people and other dogs; this is most important if your puppy is to develop into a well-adjusted and happy individual. Encounter different situations, shapes, noises, traffic, etc. However, do it gradually, NOT ALL IN ONE DAY. This allows the puppy to experience everyday situations and learn to react calmly. Then even if the puppy does not encounter traffic or similar situations for a long time, the early experience will remain when it is re-exposed later, and the calm response will be remembered and repeated. SOCIALISATION AND TRAINING ARE NEVER WASTED; it results in a more manageable dog that is a delight to own and is much appreciated by other members of the public.
When the puppy arrives home, he may take a little while to settle in.Your puppy may become finicky with food for the first 7-10 days, however, if the puppy is not eating properly within 2-3 days CONTACT your breeder to discuss the diet. DO NOT try to change the food around or LEAVE food with the pup. Feed the puppy and leave food for 15-20 minutes – NO LONGER. If not eaten, remove it! The stress of a change of environment, new home and people, can cause the puppy to be a bit loose in his motions, especially for a few days, this should settle down after the first week.
It will take 4-5 nights for the puppy to settle at night. It will be strange for the puppy, as he has had brothers and sisters to cuddle up to, and now finds he finds he is alone in a strange place. Provide the puppy with a warm sleeping area, a soft cuddly toy, leave a radio going and a clock nearby for him to hear, so he will not feel quite so alone. For more information on puppy's first night click here
Importantly make sure your German Shepherd Puppy is in good health and is kept on a regular schedule of worming and vaccination also that he is fed a good quality diet. If you are unsure, check with your German Shepherd Dog breeder for suggestions.
Puppy Socialisation Chart pdf
"Your puppy needs to have as many experiences as possible whilst young, however because puppyhood is an extremely vulnerable time puppy socialisation needs to be conducted positively and safely - this minimises your dog learning to fear and becoming anxious and developing unwanted behavioural issues later in life."
If the pup/dog is properly fed & exercised, socialised & kept in good condition, you shouldn't have any problems with him. German Shepherds are generally easy to care for & have few problems or illnesses. However, if you do have any problems, please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are a number of articles on the Quite Interesting page regarding settling in & socialisation.
Development Periods
Socialise now, play later
Puppy Biting
The Importance of Play
Signals
Doggie Language
'How quickly they grow!'
Kazkiri Paper Gangsta aka 'Jax'
Photo courtesy Jaimee Powell (owner)
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