Socialisation
picture
by Nicola Wallace
From the day and hour your pup has been born she has been
socialised by her mama and us. We make
sure they are stimulated all the time by everyday things in a busy household. Plus all pups are born in our kitchen.
Week 1 Puppies are born so mum and pups are kept quiet and the kitchen is kept to a minimum of 2-3 people at one time. All our bitches are friendly so don't mind our families comings and goings. 2 days old and they are checked by home visit by the vet. Mum is also checked by vet and us. I check her ever day as a just in case measure as I can see if she is producing milk and of the boobs are not working or mastitis. We also check pups if a one colour litter, it's a good idea to colour code them with collars from birth. No mix ups then.
Week 2 Gentle handling of puppies is only done by family as the house is shut down for 4 weeks. The mother does not mind this at all as she is petted first and given a treat. We have to sometimes check over a pup or latch one on for her if a big litter or an escapee. We use different textures when touching also which is fun for the kids to do with them. Flannels, gloves of different textures, sponges are some of the things used gently. I also allow different surfaces for the pups and they can be wobbly on their feet but the kids help with this and all love this as it's a gentle quiet time to do this as they take 2-3 pups or if a small litter 1 or 2. I also have two special needs kids that the pups and older dogs adore and get on famously with. They are a font of info to any budding newbie.
Week 3 More handling of the puppies as their eyes are open and we hold in all different positions, ear buds are opening also at this stage. We if the mum is up to it introduce the cat and dad as well if we have him. This went well with my last litter. Some of my girls are protective over their litter and wont allow this till later on this is normal so don't fret.
Weaning has commenced and I prefer to raw feed so minced chicken is put in for them to munch on and mum is back in for clean up duties every feed. I do the one meal one day, 2 meals the next and so forth. So by the end of week 3 the pups are eating 4-5 meals a day all raw. If this does not appeal there are good kibbles on the market for Great Danes I can recommend to you, I do recommend a grain free one though for the young tummy's.
They are still in the nursery but have free range of this and can explore safely and do notice other surroundings and can explore to their hearts content.
At this stage they are biting mum and litter mates as they learn to play also.
A new idea for us to place a baby mobile out of reach for them to watch and you will be happy to know they do notice them eventually as you think they don't.
Week 4 More people are introduced at this stage along with visitors that want a pup as they can pick what one from the litter as no one is allowed before hand. I do not sell on the pup once it is chosen.
I also put in the pen the mops and keg mops and brooms of various sizes. I sweep and mop whilst they are there so they are not alarmed by these things.
Now the hoover is the scariest thing ever to a pup and dog alike so be careful introducing this but most just sit on the couch looking at it with not a care in the world.
I am introducing a CD of noises so the pups can hear them and not be afraid as a CD can be switch off, so is easier to deal with to begin with.
Pups are nearly weaned at this stage so mum will in theory go in less and less do not fret if she doesnt conform to standard as there isn't one. All dogs are different.
I introduce loads of toys at this age so they can climb on, sit on and generally play. Kids do the tug of war games as we do to. We also do the gotcha as all pups have collars on. The idea behind this a safety one as in if your pet escapes it wont freak when she is grabbed by the collar. This is done by treats and praise. Build up from 5 seconds to 30 seconds as this is how long it takes to grab a collar and calm the dog down.
We have a patio area and if dry we allow them outside as a group for a wee wander around some are frightened of this but not many. If raining we allow them out for a few minutes so they get used to it.
Also at this age they get to explore other rooms as some are laminate or carpets. Its fun to watch the look on their faces when faced with a different texture or the open space of a bigger room.
I also take a pup away to have one to one with also. Now the kids are really handy for this, but this is only for 10-15 minutes and they play together. I do the peek a boo one with them and introducing them to all in one room we are in. Also a special toy they think they only have which it is as it goes with them on leaving.
Week 5 At this stage all pups are being interacted with daily with one person or another. Plus with their mum and any other animals we have indoors.
We have nap times set now for them and this is mainly 12 noon and 4pm as this is their time for rest or play if they so wish. They are in their pen and it shows them they can be left for a wee while and not fret at a young age. We then do the one to one nap time to also show they can be left and we return to them.
We now do the temperament test as in separate bowls for all and we put our hands in and into their mouths this is done in case they go to a home with babies or young children as they can be quick but we know the new owners will supervise them both at all times we hope. We also check teeth and we encourage them to walk with us for treats always a sucker for treats.
I do hat days which is hilarious and we also do the peek a boo game and run away from them and hide so they come seek us out. This is for training when outside so they'll come back to you.
Week 6 Now this is lead training week and we build on the 5 minutes a day principal and we treat when doing this. Even if they take 2 steps we treat and praise. Most are suckers for a treat and will walk not realising they are on lead. All lead training is done in the yard with no other dog or pup about this is one to one only and they love to please.
Also at this stage we take them in the van and car as this is a check up we do at this age and again when they go to their new homes.
We leave the van in the yard (we have many) We encourage all to get in and out. Always supervised.
Week 7 Now we are at the end of our journey and it has been an exciting time for all.
This is my check list of what we have done in thoughs weeks
gently hugged
rubbed all over
Met all types of people and animals
Played with a lot of toys of all different textures and shape/
Interacted with everyone numerous times.
Out at road side I live on a busy road. This helps the pups to not show any fear.
In car and van
Been left for short periods
Been in a crate
Been fed outside and inside.
Fed by hand also
Heard all the kitchen sounds and other sounds by CD.
Hands in their dishes.
gotcha collar.
games.
grooming.
Week 8 This is usually the leaving day of the puppy and my puppy booklet goes with you. I do check in and I hope all my new owners do too. (If you don't I do phone) I am a font of info and I will help if I can and I shall endeavour to do what I can for you and your chosen pup.
Oh by the way the checklist isn't finish as below you shall find more and this should be done by
12 -18 months and social interaction to meeting others dogs and people. Please do not be put off by ignorant people lifting their dogs. It is them not you that is frightened. Just nod and smile.
Weeks 8 onwards I continue the training as I usually keep a pup from my litters. I introduce walking on lead outside at the front. I teach them their green cross code. I show them its fun to be a puppy. At 4-6 months that is when boot camp is introduced as its show time if they have made the grade.
Week 1 Puppies are born so mum and pups are kept quiet and the kitchen is kept to a minimum of 2-3 people at one time. All our bitches are friendly so don't mind our families comings and goings. 2 days old and they are checked by home visit by the vet. Mum is also checked by vet and us. I check her ever day as a just in case measure as I can see if she is producing milk and of the boobs are not working or mastitis. We also check pups if a one colour litter, it's a good idea to colour code them with collars from birth. No mix ups then.
Week 2 Gentle handling of puppies is only done by family as the house is shut down for 4 weeks. The mother does not mind this at all as she is petted first and given a treat. We have to sometimes check over a pup or latch one on for her if a big litter or an escapee. We use different textures when touching also which is fun for the kids to do with them. Flannels, gloves of different textures, sponges are some of the things used gently. I also allow different surfaces for the pups and they can be wobbly on their feet but the kids help with this and all love this as it's a gentle quiet time to do this as they take 2-3 pups or if a small litter 1 or 2. I also have two special needs kids that the pups and older dogs adore and get on famously with. They are a font of info to any budding newbie.
Week 3 More handling of the puppies as their eyes are open and we hold in all different positions, ear buds are opening also at this stage. We if the mum is up to it introduce the cat and dad as well if we have him. This went well with my last litter. Some of my girls are protective over their litter and wont allow this till later on this is normal so don't fret.
Weaning has commenced and I prefer to raw feed so minced chicken is put in for them to munch on and mum is back in for clean up duties every feed. I do the one meal one day, 2 meals the next and so forth. So by the end of week 3 the pups are eating 4-5 meals a day all raw. If this does not appeal there are good kibbles on the market for Great Danes I can recommend to you, I do recommend a grain free one though for the young tummy's.
They are still in the nursery but have free range of this and can explore safely and do notice other surroundings and can explore to their hearts content.
At this stage they are biting mum and litter mates as they learn to play also.
A new idea for us to place a baby mobile out of reach for them to watch and you will be happy to know they do notice them eventually as you think they don't.
Week 4 More people are introduced at this stage along with visitors that want a pup as they can pick what one from the litter as no one is allowed before hand. I do not sell on the pup once it is chosen.
I also put in the pen the mops and keg mops and brooms of various sizes. I sweep and mop whilst they are there so they are not alarmed by these things.
Now the hoover is the scariest thing ever to a pup and dog alike so be careful introducing this but most just sit on the couch looking at it with not a care in the world.
I am introducing a CD of noises so the pups can hear them and not be afraid as a CD can be switch off, so is easier to deal with to begin with.
Pups are nearly weaned at this stage so mum will in theory go in less and less do not fret if she doesnt conform to standard as there isn't one. All dogs are different.
I introduce loads of toys at this age so they can climb on, sit on and generally play. Kids do the tug of war games as we do to. We also do the gotcha as all pups have collars on. The idea behind this a safety one as in if your pet escapes it wont freak when she is grabbed by the collar. This is done by treats and praise. Build up from 5 seconds to 30 seconds as this is how long it takes to grab a collar and calm the dog down.
We have a patio area and if dry we allow them outside as a group for a wee wander around some are frightened of this but not many. If raining we allow them out for a few minutes so they get used to it.
Also at this age they get to explore other rooms as some are laminate or carpets. Its fun to watch the look on their faces when faced with a different texture or the open space of a bigger room.
I also take a pup away to have one to one with also. Now the kids are really handy for this, but this is only for 10-15 minutes and they play together. I do the peek a boo one with them and introducing them to all in one room we are in. Also a special toy they think they only have which it is as it goes with them on leaving.
Week 5 At this stage all pups are being interacted with daily with one person or another. Plus with their mum and any other animals we have indoors.
We have nap times set now for them and this is mainly 12 noon and 4pm as this is their time for rest or play if they so wish. They are in their pen and it shows them they can be left for a wee while and not fret at a young age. We then do the one to one nap time to also show they can be left and we return to them.
We now do the temperament test as in separate bowls for all and we put our hands in and into their mouths this is done in case they go to a home with babies or young children as they can be quick but we know the new owners will supervise them both at all times we hope. We also check teeth and we encourage them to walk with us for treats always a sucker for treats.
I do hat days which is hilarious and we also do the peek a boo game and run away from them and hide so they come seek us out. This is for training when outside so they'll come back to you.
Week 6 Now this is lead training week and we build on the 5 minutes a day principal and we treat when doing this. Even if they take 2 steps we treat and praise. Most are suckers for a treat and will walk not realising they are on lead. All lead training is done in the yard with no other dog or pup about this is one to one only and they love to please.
Also at this stage we take them in the van and car as this is a check up we do at this age and again when they go to their new homes.
We leave the van in the yard (we have many) We encourage all to get in and out. Always supervised.
Week 7 Now we are at the end of our journey and it has been an exciting time for all.
This is my check list of what we have done in thoughs weeks
gently hugged
rubbed all over
Met all types of people and animals
Played with a lot of toys of all different textures and shape/
Interacted with everyone numerous times.
Out at road side I live on a busy road. This helps the pups to not show any fear.
In car and van
Been left for short periods
Been in a crate
Been fed outside and inside.
Fed by hand also
Heard all the kitchen sounds and other sounds by CD.
Hands in their dishes.
gotcha collar.
games.
grooming.
Week 8 This is usually the leaving day of the puppy and my puppy booklet goes with you. I do check in and I hope all my new owners do too. (If you don't I do phone) I am a font of info and I will help if I can and I shall endeavour to do what I can for you and your chosen pup.
Oh by the way the checklist isn't finish as below you shall find more and this should be done by
12 -18 months and social interaction to meeting others dogs and people. Please do not be put off by ignorant people lifting their dogs. It is them not you that is frightened. Just nod and smile.
Weeks 8 onwards I continue the training as I usually keep a pup from my litters. I introduce walking on lead outside at the front. I teach them their green cross code. I show them its fun to be a puppy. At 4-6 months that is when boot camp is introduced as its show time if they have made the grade.
So this gives you an idea of what we do first.
I want a nice socialised pup. A well rounded pup. A go getcha pup and I would like to think I do.
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