Socialisation - The Magic Window?

[WoodRose]

We would very much like to adopt a rescue puppy. We are considering one of 2 puppies. One is 5 months, the other is 11 months. However, I have been told that if a puppy hasn't been properly socialised with other dogs, people & children by 16 weeks, that it is likely to be an ongoing problem. I live in London so it is very important that any dog be well socialised with dogs and children because they will encounter them in close proximity every day!

These puppies are from Ireland and little is known of their background, although most likely to be discarded gundogs. Can 5 months really be too late for a dog to be properly socialised? It seems so young to have their behaviour set in stone.

I rescued a 6 month old lab nine years ago who had not been socialised at all. He was shut up in a house all day and never walked. He learnt fast and has always been fine with other dogs. I am sure more experienced fosterers will give good advice.

Thanks Batteryhuman. That's very encouraging! Apart from my own personal predictament, a finite window to mould socialisation would have pretty dire implications for rescue dogs.

Of course it is vital from an early age to socialise your puppy, but 5 months isnt something to worry about. It can be done! Will take time and patience and lots of love and treats.

Find yourself a good training class and maybe be prepared to pay for a few 1/1 sessions with a trainer or behaviourist, depending on what your dog needs.

Good luck and well done on taking on a rescue dog.

There is a window whereby socialistation is quicker and easier, but a dog of any age can be retrained and socialised.

I took on a 18 month - two year old terrier (with no history and from a pound not a rescue center a dog like mine would never be rehomed to an inexperienced owner or some one with small children) who was a nightmare with other dogs, a nightmare on the leash, a nightmare off the leash, jumped all over guests, stole food, was not toilet trained, suffered seperation anxiety, chewed toys and shoes and more - hence his nickname the Devil Dog

He is still far from perfect but the change in him is amazing. It's also very rewarding to watch a nervous, agressive dog change before your eyes into a happy, confident, trusting animal.

DooinMeCleanin - Wow! Well done you! Both my collies (one sadly died at 14.5 years) were "pre-loved" but not rescue. I got my girl at 15 weeks and my boy at 17 months. Both came with a history, were well socialised and were absolutely fine.

After our female collie died, we took on a 2 year old Springer who had been rescued from an Irish pound. He was well-behaved in the house and fine with our dog and the dog he had been fostered with. The problem was other dogs. He just didn't have a clue! Walking him was a nightmare - he was very powerful and lunged and reacted to everything.

Also, he was a failed gundog and it was impossible to get his attention if something small and furry was in sight - including the dachshund puppy in our dog training class . Sadly, he died unexpectedly after only 2 months but I did wonder whether we would ever be able to manage a relaxed off-lead walk with him!

I guess I am worried that I may be making the same mistake. IMO, it ie essential that dogs in London be well socialised and have superb recall because it is such a stressful, crowded and busy enviroment. The dog we are considering is another working type Springer, rescued from a pound in Ireland with no history. Is this poor puppy going to be too stressed out to cope with the Big Smoke?