08/04/2025
Behaviour issues, (not old age, illness or disease) is the number one cause for relinquishment or euthanasia in dogs in Australia.
This doesn't mean that we should run out and put our 8 week old puppies in a dog park. But there are lots of low risk ways to socialise your puppy and teach them confidence and resilience prior to the end of their key socialisation period. And as Dr. Radosta says in her post, this must be done prior to 14 weeks.
Our puppy preschool classes are fully booked until June. But if you've got a young pup that you'd like to expose to the world, our Puppy Trainer Melina can teach you how to get your puppy well socialised and accustomed to life with you without the risk of infectious diseases.
Check out the website for availability for in home puppy training
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
We get our puppies vaccinated on time because we love them and we want to lessen the likelihood of infectious diseases that can cause illness, suffering and even death. Why then, don't people get their dog the vaccination against fear, anxiety, stress, panic and phobia?
Isn't emotional suffering and potential euthanasia enough of a reason to protect puppies as any other infectious disease?
Just like vaccinations, the timing of socialization is critical. You can't do it later. It has to be done before 14 weeks in most breeds.
Not only is the exposure important, but the nature of the exposure. Positive exposures put value in the emotional piggy bank and negative ones withdraw value.
There is no reason to avoid socialization if done well and safely, but there are lots of negative consequences to waiting to expose your pup to the world.
Give your puppy the best of both worlds—protection and preparation for a happy, confident future!
