|
(Continued from previous page)
It is important for puppies to meet other dogs. Puppies need to develop proper canine communication signals and social behaviour. Puppies have a lot to learn about their human family but they also need to learn about being a dog. A dog is a member of the canine species and it is perfectly natural for him to want to interact and associate with other dogs. You must provide him with opportunities to socialise with other friendly dogs.
Prior to seven weeks of age, puppies need the association with their littermates and mother so that they begin to learn the proper canine cues and behaviours that allow dogs to communicate and interact with one another. Puppies learn to accept discipline from their mother and learn social skills from their littermates. They learn to be functional within the dog pack and to give the correct signals and responses to other dogs.
Between seven and twelve weeks, a puppy needs an abundance of individual attention to develop his bond with humans. This is the best time for a puppy to adjust to a new home. Your puppy is at a peak learning stage and should be introduced to a variety of situations. He needs to experience all the amazing things that will encompass his world - people, other dogs and animals, children, vacuum cleaners, garbage trucks, toddlers, bicycles, skateboards, teenagers, stairways, motor cars, veterinarians, football games, swimming pools and babies.
He needs to be exposed to as many kinds of different environments and situations as possible. Visit family and friend's homes and travel in the car. Accustom him to the noise and sight of traffic. Widen his horizon as much as possible without risking his health.
Places where there is minimal risk are places where only vaccinated dogs have been.
· A friend's backyard
· A dog show at KCC Park or the showgrounds
· Shopping strip
· School
Places where your puppy is most at risk are those places where unvaccinated dogs may have been or where there are dog faeces.
· Public park
· On and off lead dog areas
· Public park
(Continued on next page)
|
|
