Pup already 15 weeks how about socialization?

[DN2017]

Hi guys!

We like a pup from Serbia but if we take him that'll mean that he can't come to us before 15 weeks of age because of the rabies vaccination having to be at least 21 days ago. So I'm a little worried about socialisation (socialization?) which normally takes places from 8 weeks of age at the new owner.

I understand that in this case the breeder has the responsibility to socialize the pup between 8 and 15 weeks old but ofcourse I can't check that... And also, the pup is born in a farely calm neighborhood and will have to get used to city life (no barking when wanted, no acres of land around the house et cetera).

My question is: what would I have to do differently regarding socialization, opposed to an 8 week old pupper? Should I take it a bit slow or just go ahead and make him experience as much as possible (positive experiences ofcourse), as soon as possible? I understand that the speed is dependant on the dog's character but I'd like to have some kind of idea of what I could do.

I'd love to hear your experiences with training a pup thats already 15 weeks or so.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Drogon]

I imported mine from Serbia and didn't get him until about 15 weeks. I took him out everywhere right away and had no issues with socialization.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I think the pup will be better adjusted being with the bitch and littermates for longer than 8wks. He will learn more from them during this time. I don’t think it should be a worry for you at all, plus his/her ears will already be used to posting and it should make it easier for you. All in all I think it is a good thing.
That will give you time to get your home puppy proofed (these pups love chewing)
and time to research the best diet to feed them, finding a vet with knowledge of the breed, buying the ear posting supplies, also finding a good trainer/behaviorist to start training with you and your pup.
Purchasing age appropriate toys, mental stimulation puzzles, etc.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

If the breeder is a good one, they will provide the pup with good stimuli and experiences until it leaves their hands. Many breeders set up things in the home, age appropriate, for the little pups to experience – different types of things to feel and hear. They may have family (human) interact with them, and bring in visitors who have hopefully come into the home clean and not carrying Parvo or anything. But a good breeder who breeds on a small scale and cares will do these things. I don't know how realistic it is to hope for all of this from some of the breeding operations in Europe, but I hope!

I agree, also, that being around the mother longer than 8 weeks is good. They will probably get more experience learning how to act with other dogs by having more time with littermates and the mom.

 

[Sir.duke865]

Didn’t receive my guy until he was almost 12weeks no issues here, he has had a couple outburst with strangers but don’t think that had anything to do with socializing since he goes EVERY where with me and he doesn’t flip out at everyone he meets. I think that window is kinda misleading as pups really shouldn’t leave the mother until they reach a certain point which there is not a exact time for all the pups, it varies for each pup to reach the point of “ready to go” come to think of it rarely have I ever received a pup at 8 weeks old most of mine have been around 10weeks on up. So I wouldn’t worry about that one bit

 

[Sir.duke865]

@Oh Little Oji I agree completely as our breeder did all the things you speak of, and it is such a HUGE help. Makes the transition so much easier on both owner and pup. When you get a pup from someone who doesn’t put the attention into them it’s like bringing home a wild Tasmanian devil that poops and pies in all the wrong spots

 

[Sir.duke865]

I swear my auto correct is the best (poops and pies)

 

[GOD'S GRACE]

I got Grace at 4 months old...she lived with a BYB in the home with a dozen other Dobes all adults. It took 3 days for her to realize she was home...the first month we crate trained, started basic commands and gave her an abundance of ALPHA love...after a month and realizing things were good her, she started being DOBE and the training and mental exercising began...

Grace has proved to be a great Dobe...they are very smart.

 

[Firestar Dobe]

Socialization can and does start at any age. Ideally it starts with the breeder and continues when the new owner brings the pup home. I have been an obedience instructor for many years. I have seen dogs of all ages, who had never had proper training or socialization, learn to adapt and get along with other dogs. The difference is it is much easier to socialize when they are young and have not developed issues such as aggression, anxiety or fear, to name a few. I have seen dedicated owners take a dog from no socialization to being well adjusted, happy, healthy dogs. I really think that at 15 weeks you should be able to overcome any issues having to do with non-socialization, if in fact that turns out to be the case. You really shouldn't have to do anything different, some dogs take to it easily, others take a bit longer. Your concern shows that you are willing to stay on top of it, so basically, you've got this! You will just need patience and consistency!