The All Important Puppy Socialization

So you got a new puppy. That’s so awesome, everyone loves puppies. They’re so cute and squishy, I mean what’s not to love about puppies? But did you know that it’s so important to socialize your puppy the right way during the right time? Well we’re here to explain all about the ever important role of puppy socialization.

What is the critical socialization period?

The critical socialization period is from 3 to 16 weeks of age in puppies. This is where puppies are most vulnerable and learn all about the big scary world. It is critical for puppies to experience things in a positive way during this time. Their minds are like little sponges and a fearful experience can haunt them for the rest of their lives and create a fearful reactive dog.

It’s okay I’ve raised dogs before, I know what I’m doing.

Ugh I can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard and seen this before. That’s great that you’ve raised dogs before but it definitely doesn’t make you an expert on dog behavior. Do you know what it means if your dog is yawning for no reason? Can you tell when a dog is stressed just by looking at their face? There are many subtle signs of stress that often go overlooked and end up hurting the dog as a result. Would you be comfortable with any other professional that said something similar? Maybe a doctor who said they played doctor when they were a kid so they know what they’re talking about? Of course not!

I watched some YouTube videos, I totally know what I’m doing.

Ummm yeah that’s right up there with I’ve raised dogs before. The reality is there are sooooo many bad dog trainers and people with bad advice on YouTube. It’s really hard to know what you’re looking at if you don’t know. It’s great for little training tips, but when it comes to helping your pup become the best version they can be we would definitely not suggest YouTube.

Okay so I’ll just sign my pup up for doggy daycare?

Yeah we’re not a big fan of those either. There are usually a lot of dogs and not enough staff per dog. Plus they won’t take dogs who aren’t totally up to date on their vaccinations and you definitely don’t want to put an unvaccinated dog into a situation like that. We’ve heard some horror stories about doggy daycare and personally would never use one for our pups.

So what can I do to ensure my pup is going to turn out okay?

There’s actually tons of stuff you can do. You can sign up for puppy preschool. Places like The Pet Republic have a puppy preschool for puppies 8-20 weeks old. You can sign up for private lessons with a trainer like Jenny Eifomva of Dogminded. We highly recommend professional force-free positive reinforcement training. We really feel like it is absolutely the best way to ensure your pups are getting the much needed socialization and proper training they need. Please note that not all trainers are created equal. If your trainer suggest a prong collar, an e-collar, or choke collar please find a new one. We’d be more than happy to help you out. A good trainer trains without pain.

What can I do at home to help my dog?

There are so many things you can do at home. While some veterinarians will tell you that you can’t take your dog out before they’ve been fully vaccinated we’re here to tell you that’s actually bad advice. By the time your pup is fully vaccinated the critical socialization period will be over. Now we’re not saying go out and take your dog to a dog park, we definitely would not advise that at all. But there are plenty of safe things you can do. You want to expose your dogs to novel sights and sounds all before 16 weeks while pairing them with some really yummy things like cheese or boiled chicken. You can go to Home Depot and hang out in the parking lot, you can get in the car and go to as many places as you can. Keep in mind that all experiences must be kept as positive as possible. Puppies should also be encouraged to explore using interactive enrichment toys and different surfaces and sounds.

Things to keep in mind…

During this critical time you want to make sure to keep all novel experiences as positive as possible. You want to bring lots of yummy treats with you. If your pup seems scared that’s okay, just move back to a place where they aren’t scared. Do not try to force your dog into any situations, that can create a negative impression on your puppy’s brains and can make your pup fearful for life. For more on puppy socialization see the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position statement.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

What age is considered senior?

For Boston Terriers senior age is often considered to start at 9-10 years old.

Why should I adopt a Senior Dog?

You should adopt a senior dog because they’re awesome. Okay we might be a little biased but senior dogs are great. They’re already house trained, they already know all their commands and you know exactly how big/small your dog is going to be. There’s no mystery.

They love to be with their people!

Senior dogs often just want to be with their people. They don’t need a ton of exercise and play time, they’re happy to just relax on the couch with their favorite human.

They’re often overlooked

Seniors are often overlooked at shelters and rescues. A lot of people just want young puppies but adopting a senior means you can give them the best rest of their lives.

They’re great napping partners

Senior dogs need more sleep than younger dogs making them the best napping partner. This is also beneficial for people who work too as senior dogs will often nap while you’re at work all day.

They’re calmer than puppies

While senior dogs often still have tons of energy to burn they’re often calmer than having a puppy. Seniors are more likely to have short bursts of energy while puppies are non-stop.

it’s Kennel Cough season

It’s kennel cough season and we’re here to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of kennel cough.

what is kennel cough?

Kennel cough (canine infections tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Kennel cough is most commonly contracted at dog parks, shelter environments, doggie daycare and boarding facilities.  Much like the common cold in humans, kennel cough can be spread from one dog to another through airborne transmission, nose to nose contact, or sharing water/food bowls. Good news is that kennel cough is super treatable although it is harsher for young and immunocompromised dogs.

How to Tell if your pup has it?

You’ll know, trust me! My dog Shyla has had it twice and it’s a sound unlike anything else I’ve heard come out of her.  Other than that here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• cough (it will sound like a your pup has something stuck in their throat or like a honking sound)

• sneezing

• runny nose

• loss of appetite

• lethargy

• low fever

HOW IS IT TREATED?

There is a vaccine for it, but much like the flu vaccination there are different strains that the vaccination does not protect against, so a trip to the vet to confirm the diagnosis is needed. Depending on the severity of symptoms, your vet will either let the virus run its course or will prescribe antibiotics. There are also some natural ways to help your pup through this with honey and coconut oil. Whole Dog Journal has laid out some really great ways to help clear up kennel cough naturally.

ways to prevent kennel cough

It is so important to pay attention to our pups. While kennel cough is usually very treatable it can sometimes develop into more serious conditions like pneumonia. Kennel cough can be prevented by limiting exposure to infected dogs and staying away from areas like the dog park when an outbreak has occurred.

what if symptoms persist?

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks it could be a sign of something more serious like pneumonia or congestive heart failure. Another trip to the vet will be needed to rule out anything more serious.

So you’re looking for a boston terrier?

Deciding to bring a dog into your family is a big decision, and one that will impact the dog’s life as well as your own. The choice between buying from a reputable breeder versus adopting from a shelter/rescue organization can often be a difficult one to make. On the one hand a new squishy puppy is hard to resist, on the other hand saving a life by adopting a rescue dog can also be an amazing experience. We’ve already shared how to find a responsible breeder here and covered how to adopt a Boston Terrier here, but we want to help you in your decision on whether to adopt or not.

Benefits of Adopting

One of the main benefits of adopting a Boston Terrier is that you’re literally saving two lives at once. You’re saving the life of the Boston Terrier you’re adopting and you’re also saving the life of another dog who needs rescue by opening up space in the shelters. 

But that's not all:

• Adopted dogs are often already potty trained and have already been vetted for any health or behavioral issues. 

• If adopting from a rescue organization they can tell you more about the dog’s personality. Due to the popularity of fostering, the dog has likely spent weeks--or even months—in a home environment. My own dog Shyla famously spent seven months in her foster home. The best rescues will prioritize quality over quantity therefore dogs sometimes spend longer in foster.

• Rescues sometimes have puppies too, you just need to ask.

• The best rescue organizations will use the dog's time in the organization as an opportunity to diagnose medical and behavioral issues and begin to fix them.

• And last but not least, rescues will often take the dog back if it doesn’t work out. If for whatever reason the new dog doesn't adjust to your home or has unexpected issues you're unequipped to handle (medical, behavioral), returning the dog to the rescue to find more suitable placement is an option.

Risks of Adopting

If you’re adopting straight from a shelter you don’t always know the dog’s background. Sometimes a dog’s personality can change after being in your home for a while, as dogs tend to either be extremely-reserved or over-excited when placed in a new home. The behavior you see in the shelter (or as the shelter workers describe it) can be dramatically different from how your new pup acts once fully-adjusted. 

It’s possible that the dog you’re adopting hasn’t been properly socialized and you will need to work on that with a positive reinforcement trainer and/or with a behaviorist. This is always a big risk with rescue dogs, as some owners would rather give up a dog than to work on the behavioral issues themselves.

Benefits to Buying from a Breeder

Buying from a responsible breeder is also a great option, but you need to be ready to commit to the care needed for the pup for the rest of its life, which could be anywhere from 12-20 years.

Here are some other considerations:

• You can meet the pup’s parents and get a glimpse into what your pup will look like fully grown. You will also get a tour of the pup’s living conditions.

• You know that your pup is truly purebred.

• You’ll get to shape your pup into the adult you want with the proper socialization and training.

• A lot of breeders also do heath and genetic testing to ensure that your pup will not have any hereditary conditions. Responsible breeders breed for the betterment of the breed and temperament.

THE CHALLENGES OF BUYING FROM A BREEDEr:

Of course, buying from a breeder is not without its drawbacks.

• Every year millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters.

• Puppies require a lot of time and attention, often as much as a newborn baby. (Except they pee on your shag rug instead of in a diaper.)

• You’ll need to be prepared to clean up any accidents and deal with any chewing.

• Purebred dogs tend to have more health problems.

• Buying from a breeder can be extremely expensive, and you will be responsible for all its vetting.

Beyond these reasons, not every breeder practices best practices. There are many "backyard breeders" out there that look at this as a side hustle for quick money. These breeders will often cut corners in breeding, care, and early-life medical needs. Sometimes, they may even push pups with known medical issues on to new families without informing them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you choose to adopt a Boston Terrier or buy from a responsible breeder, it is important to be honest with yourself about what your commitment level is and how much time and attention you’re willing to give to your pup. Always seek out the right positive reinforcement trainer for your dogs. A dog is a lifelong commitment and you will have to deal with all of the challenges that come with owning a dog.

How to Find a Responsible Breeder

I’m often asked about breeders and people wanting puppies and truth be told I don’t know any breeders.  I only know the ones you guys mention in your Meetup Member of the Month posts. While in a perfect world everyone would chose to rescue I do realize that it’s not for everyone. So here’s some tips for finding a responsible breeder.

home is where the heart is

A responsible breeder will allow you to visit their house and shows you all areas where puppies and breeding dogs spend their time.  The areas are clean, spacious, and well-maintained. Meeting your puppy will let you see first hand that he/she does not have any existing health or behavior problems and that he/she is being raised in a caring environment.

MEET THE PARENTS

Responsible breeders want you to spend time with the puppy’s parents when you visit.  The parents are a glimpse into the kind of the dog your pup will become. Everyone should be healthy and friendly. 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GENETICS

A good breeder will know about potential genetic and developmental problems native to the breed and provides documentation that the puppy’s parents and grandparents have been evaluated in an effort to breed those problems out. (This should include genetic testing for diseases where a valid testing protocol is available).

CHECK THEIR REFERENCES

Provides references from other families who have previously purchased one of their puppies.  Has healthy, long-lived adult dogs and contact info for previous buyers. The health and lifespan of a breeder's dogs are a sneak peek into the pups' futures. Find out as much as you can about them. Speak to people who own adult dogs bought from your breeder. Have there been any recurring medical problems like chronic ear infections? Do any of them have high-maintenance health issues like food allergies? Epilepsy? How long do the dogs generally live for?

TALK TO THE BREEDERS AT DOG SHOWS

Good breeders are often actively involved with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in the specific breed; responsible breeders may also compete with the dogs in conformation events, obedience trials, tracking and agility trials, or other performance events.  They love to show off their dogs and will often have pictures of the dogs in competition on their websites.

SELLS TO PEOPLE THEY KNOW

Sells puppies only to people he/she has met in person or even in a detailed phone conversation, not to pet stores or to unknown buyers over the Internet.  Reputable breeders don't sell their puppies to strangers! They want to get to know you. They'll ask you about your family, if you rent or own your home, who will be caring for the pup, etc. etc.  Watch out for those who don't ask for much more than your credit card number.  

PROVIDES A HEALTH GUARANTEE

Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly.  Has a veterinarian individually examine and vaccinate each puppy and has verifiable proof of this. Proof of veterinary care is NOT a vaccination schedule with dates written on it by the seller. This is a common way sellers will deceive puppy buyers. True proof is paperwork from a licensed veterinarian. All puppies should have been vaccinated and examined by a licensed vet and you should be provided with paperwork that details the results of the exams.

what kinds of health testing

A lot of breeders will say that they provide health testing but don’t mention what specific tests they perform or sometimes they’ll say that they did health testing through Embark. Unfortunately those are big red flags. The kinds of testing you want to ask your breeder if they do are, Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) which measures the electrical activity as the brain receives the auditory stimulus of sound, Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) which screens dogs for inherited eye problems . Breeders will also test for Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts and check the patellas since Bostons are prone to Luxating Patella.

COLORS

A reputable breeder breeds for the betterment of the breed and to breed standard. According to the AKC website the breed standard colors are Black & White, Black Brindle & White, Brindle & White, Seal & White, Seal Brindle & White. Anyone saying we breed all colors or off colors or even non-standard colors doesn’t actually care about preserving the breed standard. They only care about money. Anyone selling any sort of merle dog is not a reputable breeder so please stay far away from that.

It’s a Waiting Game

Reputable breeders often have waiting lists so anyone who has puppies available right away is very suspect. IF you’ really want to get a well bred puppy then we suggest getting on a few waiting lists. It takes time to find the right fit for your family so don’t rush it. You’ll get there eventually.

STILL UNSURE?

Come to a Meetup and talk with our members about their experiences. They’re happy to talk to you about their breeders and what to look for.