18/11/2025
Otis had a training trip to freshfields village to experience new things. I hear the word “socialize” so misused that I tend to not use it anymore. When puppies first come home, usually around 8 weeks, they have already started their imprinting stage of life. This is the time to expose them in a calm, safe and positive way to everything possible. Sights, sounds, smells in as many different ways as possible. Different looking people; young, old, white, black, brown, bearded, large, tall, hat wearing, etc. Different sounds; alarm, exhaust, sirens, skateboard, etc. Today Otis was able to experience a few different things that I believe were new to him. He is a very confident and curious dog! We went past a golf cart that was very loud, walked over a piece of uneven plywood, had a few people squeal at him and make kissy sounds. He took it all in while I maneuvered him and tried to maintain calm curiosity. Which he was great! It takes a LOT of work with such a cute puppy. We managed to avoid almost every person, except two, from touching him and getting him over excited! When they did, I was able to get his attention and have him sit looking at me with his food as a lure. We want to set him up for success in life and not become over stimulated in public with people. He hasn’t learned commands or practiced how to behave first before opening the possibility of strangers touching him. So I told many people they couldn’t pet him and was the bad guy but was advocating for Otis and not them. 😝 Which I have no problem doing. He is a pretty special pup and couldn’t be more excited for his family. ❤️
