Finding a Breeder - Part 4
Socialization Starts Before You!
by Yvonne Ferguson, CPDT-KSA, CTDI

Over the years we have tried as often as possible to educate and teach about the importance of early and appropriate socialization (See our May 2018 Newsletter on Early Socialization by Clicking Here). But did you know that half of the job is your breeders? That's right, half of the early period of socialization happens before your puppy even comes home at 8 weeks?

A responsible and caring breeder will not only fully understand the critical period of socialization, but will also being the process as soon as possible, take it seriously and help to bomb-proof their puppies long before they head for their new homes to help give them the best chance possible.

Understanding that socialization is not just about meeting other dogs and seeing new things is of utmost importance and responsible breeders care enough about their puppies to not only understand appropriate socialization to sights, sounds, people, smells, etc. but will begin this process for you to allow you continue down the path of success once your new puppy comes home.

An excuse often used by some is that the risk of disease is high or that puppies are not old enough to socialize.  This is simply not true and understand everything from the neonatal handling of puppies during their development to dendrite development within the brain is a responsible breeders first priority, or at least it should be. Some breeders have extensive, vast and effective socialization protocols within their program that not only help to produce some of the best puppies around, but also have extensive risk management in place, so there is no reason to give excuses. One breeder, known to Yvonne not only sends home a puppy who is extensively socialized to people (having met over 100 people before going to the new home), sights (television, flags, etc.), sounds (loud music, vacuums, baby sounds, airplanes, etc.), smells (perfumes, soil, etc.), environments, surfaces and obstacles but is also sent home fully house-trained at only just 8 weeks of age! New buyers are educated extensively about the work put into the puppy up until 8 weeks but also educated extensively on how to continue to process on an ongoing basis. Imagine how fantastic it would be to take home a puppy like that! All breeders should be taking their socialization protocols seriously to help give their puppies such a great head-start in life!

But it is all too often we hear of the puppies kept in a pen, or worse a barn, kept indoors to potty and not having met new people outside of the breeders family.  How sad these cases often are as those disadvantaged puppies are, although not doomed, not given the best chance possible when just a little hard work and dedication in the first 8 weeks of life is all that is needed to do their program proud. 

In speaking with Dr. Ian Dunbar at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers Conference in Memphis in 2018 Yvonne specifically discussed the travesty of lack of early socialization in dogs and Dr Dunbar agreed that is must start with breeders.  "Too often people will get a puppy at 8 weeks who is already showing signs of lack of confidence or fear based behaviours, is this not complete insanity? It really is sad given that someone actually sold a puppy like that, when all it often takes is good early socialization to help develop a solid temperament in such a young puppy. Buyers need to do the work overtime but is must begin with good breeding programs who follow a solid and effective socialization program", said Dr. Dunbar.  To read more on this topic from Dr. Ian Dunbar about Why Don’t We Adequately Socialize Young Puppies With People, Click Here.

It is not expecting more of breeder to have a solid socialization protocols in place but instead it is asking them to do what they should have been doing all along; following ethical and science-based breeding practices that give nothing but the best futures to their puppies. So don't forget to ask you potential breeder about their early socialization protocols such as how many people and what type of people the puppy will have met before going home, is the puppy has been exposed to loud or unexpected noises, how often have the puppies met and been handled by new people, has house training been started, has any basic training been started? 

You won't want to miss the fun!
 

Treats & Trivia
In support of the Quinte Humane Society!

Join us for a fun filled evening of Trivia & Treats at the Royal Canadian Legion Trenton on Friday February 22nd 2019. It will be a fun filled night of trivia where teams of 6 compete for bragging rights and a sweet Trivia Champs Trophy. Teams can also bid on some amazing sweets in the live Cake Auction. Only pre-registered teams of 6 will be accepted with a registration deadline of February 17th. The cost is $150.00 per team of 6 (that's only $25 per person).  If you would like to be a part of the Quinte Canine team please email us as soon as possible as spaces will fill quickly! 

For more information visit: https://www.quintehumanesociety.com/trivia-treats.php


Valentine's Photos
In support of Fixed Fur Life!

The Trenton Pet Valu will be hosting the amazing photographer Brad Denoon on Sunday February 10th from 10am - 2pm. 
Call 613-394-4118 to book your appointment!