Socialization Stress?

[rsaarinen]

I swear all of you are going to hate me after I'm done here!

So I know that socializing your puppy is a HUGE factor in how he will react to things as he matures into an adult. These experiances need to be as positive as possible. Sense my puppy showed up Saturday he has meet probably about 20 people including 2 babies and one dog. I"ve taken him to Pet Smart and my work (had to show him off). I"ve always looked for signs of stress and have taken him away from any situation I don't think he's enjoyed. Only one so far was at Petsmart.

I removed him an placed him back into my truck with Shannon holding him. Today at work he seemed a little stiff. He had no problem letting people pet him, but I think he was a little overwhelmed at everything that was going on. When with strangers I let nobody hold him and am carefull who I allow to pet him. Am I asking too much from him at such as early age? Or am I just being a dork and being too protective of him?

[MaCaNs]

How old is your pup? Maybe with all the moving around, playing, meeting others, at such a young age, he is simply very tired, or grumpy (Like any of us might be). This is just a guess, but I think I 'over did' my dog in the beginning, forgetting that they need 'down time' alot as youngsters. Maybe bring him along a little slower....? Again, I'm no expert, just someone trying to help.

[rsaarinen]

I guess sense i'm posting like CRAZY today I thought the world new how old my boy is! . He's 8 weeks old. I picked him up 2 days ago... Now in just typing that I think I am going to far. He's not even used to his house that well and his new family. But I want to make sure I raise this kid right and make the breed proud.

[MaCaNs]

Yes, 8 weeks may be a bit to much for him right now to be socialized like that. Remember, not to long ago she/he was with thier mother and all was well. I would wait another week or two, and try again.

I love reading everyone's opinion on this site....especially with all the pics on this site, it always makes me miss my dgo that much more! can't wait to get home from work, and get a 'face bath'.

lol

[Sharon Marples]

I would be very careful in where you take your puppy until he is through with his vaccinations. He is pretty young and as well as putting a lot of stress on him, he can be subjected to parvo, etc. when traveling around.

Also, his 8 - 9 old period is a "fear" period where he should have nothing but confidence-building experiences. I feel this is best done at home. Read some of the sticky notes in the puppy development forum to get some additional ideas. (http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/pup...velopment.html)

Be sure he has his vaccinations prior to going anywhere where there have been lots of dogs around.

[rsaarinen]

Ok so as of now he will be loved crazy in his home for the next week or so! He gets his next booster in 2 weeks. He needs a total of 3 before training classes and stuff like that can happen.


Thanks for all the info.. I appreciate it!

[rsaarinen]

So do you guys think I went to far? I would hate it if I exposed him too to much too early. That last thing I want is for him to think what he has been exposed to is bad. Meaning that dogs and people are something he will be scared of in the future!

[StephanieandToby]

I don't think you did anything wrong...it doesn't sound as thought your puppy was frightened....just a little tired an overstimulated...
I also think he's a bit too young to go to public places where there are other animals...but no harm in meeting people, etc.

[rsaarinen]

I've been feeling so guilty the last hour knowing that I should have waited to expose him to certian things. I guess I'm wanting to make sure he's calm around every situation and doesn't think that seeing people, kids, dogs, is sometihng to worry about and it's ok.

But I will calm that down a bit and just work on lots of praise and play time. I think i've became the redirect king in the last 48 hours and I know I just started . The last thing I want is a sad puppy!

[hcelsa]

Originally Posted by rsaarinen

So do you guys think I went to far? I would hate it if I exposed him too to much too early. That last thing I want is for him to think what he has been exposed to is bad. Meaning that dogs and people are something he will be scared of in the future!

No, I don't think you went too far, just remember that baby puppies get tired easily and he'll need plenty of nap time in between play/socialization time. I take my puppies to herding from 5 weeks on (plenty of other animals and people there...), so I wouldn't be at all worried about you taking him out an about in general (however, I don't even take my adult dogs to PetSmart because of the high percentage of non-dog savvy people, and dogs behaving inappropriately...at least around here). Taking him to work with you should be fine as long as those you work with will adhere to your wishes in how he is to be treated and handled.
It just sounds to me like he may have gotten a bit overwhelmed, and might need a few more naps to refresh and reload. Generally cranky or anti-social behavior in a pup that's normally outgoing and social is a merely a tired puppy , and not something I'd be too worried about.

[rsaarinen]

Well I will tell you that he acted like he was on crack when he got back home. He likes to pounce around and use his paws to swat things almost like a cat. Again i'm glad to hear that I didn't mess up here. I guess were both learning alot here huh!