Tips for socialising puppy before 2nd jabs

[Hightideattheseaside]

Our pup had the L4 jab from the breeders vets so we have to wait until the 6th May to have her second. I’m thinking this is going to be a long few weeks and wondered if anyone can provide tips on getting her out and about safely.

I took her for a walk just now in my arms to see the horses and walk past the shops. She had a fuss from some people and seemed generally happy but keen to get out of my arms. As she is a lab so I can’t see me being able to carry in my arms safely for long as she will grow fast. But obviously want to be exposing her to things.

Would be great to hear what other people did at the stage.

Put a rucksac on your front and pop them in there. Support it with your arms as well for their security.
Lots of small outings is best imo - 10 minutes watching the main road, a trip in the car to sit on your lap outside a cafe, sitting on a bench watching the park, a quick walk going outside shops (for pushchairs, wheelchairs etc). Think about all the things they might find scary and expose them to them from the safety of your arms

Socialisation is also way more than just visual.

Think of surfaces they need to walk on - this can be done at home, so get wooden planks, thick carpet, laminate, a trampoline (obviously wit you holding on!) surfaces that move .

Smell is very important, barbecues, petrol stations, smoke, animal smells.

Sound play sounds on phones squaking birds, gunshots, fireworks etc

Put novel items in the house and garden, wheelbarrow upside down, ironing boards on their side, plastic bags (supervised) blowing in the wind in the garden.

REMEMBER all of this should be under threshold and watch out for your puppies reactions, any lip licking, yawning, turning head away, ear position, whale eyes, panting etc increase you distance.

Thanks for the tips! I downloaded an app yesterday full of sounds to play. I’m lucky in my house that I have a variety of surfaces from carpet to laminate to concrete path and grass in the garden. She’s been totally unfazed by the hoover, food mixer and blender. The things she’s been most cautious of so far is a mug I put down on the grass! Going to mow the grass later and see how she goes.

I’m not sure she would fit in my backpack. I could give it a go. My DH is also taking about modifying an old pram to push her around but not sure I could. I think I’d feel too ridiculous!

I can fit a 12 week old lurcher in a rucksac, so a lab puppy should be fine (I was given some puppy carriers as I foster pups, and those do have more room but I wouldn't buy one for a one off). I wouldn't use a pushchair as you can't read their body language in the same way, or comfort them

I used a really big canvas shopping bag with my pointer. I clipped her harness to a handle and did a sort of carry-cuddle. Then we could go and visit everyone. The vet was impressed that she knew her "in your bag" instruction.

Last week my friends mini schnauzer puffed himself out, so he used her old bag to go home.

Fine for up to about 14kg.

This is a well timed thread for us! We have a 10 week old lab/ golden retriever cross growing at a rate of knots! Have taken her out and about in my arms several times but she wriggles so much and is very strong and determined. Like the idea of putting her in a bag, then cuddling the bag. Could help. She still doesn't like areoplane noise and runs back into the house when one goes overhead. Lawnmowers, washing machine, blender, trumpet and clarinet have all gone down fine. Not tried hoover yet when she is in the room.

Oh I have a big beach bag, I will get that out and just pop her in it in the garden to try that. Thanks. Just waiting for her harness to be delivered. The one I got before she arrived I still too big.

@Hightideattheseaside sounds like our dogs are of similar age and size! We got an airmesh harness from doodlebone in a medium and it is a good fit. It goes on over the head which I have finally figured out how to do without taking her ears off!

Yeah sounds like it’s sounds like it @ilovesushi! How are you finding it? Dpup has been a joy so far. She’s definitely getting more confident and cheeky by the day. The biting has gone up a notch today!

@Hightideattheseaside Full on! She is so loving and cuddly but the mad biting moments are hard to deal with. I think it might be about getting the right amount of mental stimulation in the day but also the right amount of rest. Not getting it right yet! She can now raise her paws up on to the dinner table so really need to get the good manners sorted! Nights are okay. She is in her pen downstairs and we pop down about half one so she can go out and wee/ poo. It is exhausting but I really don't want her pooing in the house! Just don't know how long it will be until she can hold it all night!

We have a puppy carrier. We were lucky to get it on our local village recycling site. As nice as it is it is basically a canvas across body bag so I'm sure there are many substitutes.

Lemon pup is happy in there. He can see out but snuggle into us at the same time. We've also had the L4 vaccine so have the same linger wait.

I’m definitely going to try the bag tomorrow for a few minutes and see how she goes.
Also spied a bench around the corner which could be good for traffic watching .

@ilovesushi definitely full on and tiring isn’t it. Dpup is in a crate at night and doing so well. We get up around 1.30/2 as well to let her out for a wee. So you’re not alone! As tiring as it is I think it’s definitely helped with toilet training as she’s not had accident for a days. I’m hoping it won’t be too long before she can hold it 11pm-6am, but think it will be a good few weeks yet. My 2 year old is a crap sleeper though so I’m well used to the sleep deprivation