Quote:
Originally Posted by Furbaby Friend  NOTE: I am not saying that anyone else is wrong in taking their pups out earlier or anything. In fact, apparently there are reputable sources that back this philosophy up. I am just saying that I personally do not feel comfortable doing that.
If you are going to take them out early, it should be thoroughly researched on how to go about it, so that you reduce the risk of them getting sick.
I think it is a great idea to socialize your pup, but I think there are multiple ways to go about it.  |
I totally agree with the concept that everyone should do what they are feeling comfortable with. For me, the veterinarians who specialize in animal behavior carry greater weight on this topic than my general vet because they just are not behaviorists.
The crux of this philosophy is that the dog's long term memory is conditioned at an early age and certain things CANNOT be "trained out"
Puppy classes regardless of when started, however, are valuable. In our case, my two puppy mill yorkies are better socialized than my dog from a YTCA breeder. The dog from the breeder has epilepsy and a tremor disorder so it is hard to say if his brain just did not develop correctly - he definitely learns differently. He's been to four obedience classes in his two years and cannot master "down" or even "sit" that well. Yet if you saw him with a clicker and a stick, he is excellent.
Anyway to the OP - read up on the topic and make your decision on how and when to train your dog but I do think formal lessons at some point will serve you and the dog well in the visitor stuff and anything else you want to teach the dog. Best wishes.