Puppy Season Coming Up

Janice from Hurunui District

100 EXPOSURES IN 100 DAYS.


Giving your pup 100 positive experiences in his first 100 days with you is not as daunting as it may sound. You’ll find many opportunities in your own neighbourhood to start your list of 100. You’ll also want to get into the habit of taking your pup with you to as many safe places as possible, to enhance his socialisation and to start him on his path to being your well-behaved companion, welcome wherever you go.

Here are some suggestions to start you off:

• Your postie. Snag her/him on the daily rounds and ask him to feed your pup a tidbit or two. Start an early positive association with this daily visitor to your home.
• Your neighbours. Actually this can count as several, if you live in a diverse neighbourhood.

If your neighbourhood is homogenous, try a park, or the bench in front of your local library:

REMEMBER – ASK THE PEOPLE TO IGNORE YOUR PUP!!

 Tall men
 Short men
 Tall women
 Short women
 Skinny men
 Skinny women
 Portly men
 Portly women
 Babies
 Women pushing babies in strollers
 Toddlers
 Children
 Men with beards
 Men with hats
 Kids with backpacks
 Women with hats
 People in wheelchairs
 People on walkers and crutches
 Kids on bikes
 Kids on skateboards
 People with umbrellas
 Kids playing basketball

…and all of the above in various ethnic groups.

Then add locations to your list;

• Your bank
• Vet
• Pet supply store
• Copy center
• Hardware store
• Puppy kindergarten class
• On-leash park
• Any place of business that doesn’t say “No Dogs” on the door.

PLACES NOT TO TAKE YOUR PUP:

• Off-leash parks until he is fully vaccinated
• Any place where he is likely to encounter stray dogs
• Any place where he is likely to encounter sick dogs
• Any place where he is likely to encounter aggressive dogs
• Any place where he is like to encounter aggressive/rowdy/drunk humans
• Accumulations of faeces from unknown dogs
• Any place he is not welcome
• Any place where he would have to be left unattended, or in a hot car (no tying up outside the grocery store – though this is a good place to take them as long as you are there with them holding them)
• Any place where he will be uncomfortable (sitting in the full sun while you watch your husband/children play sport
• Any place where you won’t be able to devote enough attention to him to ensure his safety, security and well being.