not going back to puppy socialisation.

We just returned from our 2nd class and we don't think it's the thing for Theia. We know socialisation is very important but the turn up and let them go method (supervised by owners and trainers) is the wrong type for her. There's too much fluff and floppy ears for her to hang off! All she wants to do is wrestle. With the entire class being 3-6 months she's not learning how to behave around dogs. We do have a few trusted adults she interacts with and Lynn is taking her on her 1st bullie walk tomorrow and we think it's these adults she'll learn her manners from. We're also going to try puppy agility next week as it's a more structured training.
Pete.

Aww that's a pity, it can be an important part of development. What do they do at puppy agility? I'm assuming no jumping etc as their bones are far too brittle for all of that just yet.

It is a shame but we'll look at every option. We couldn't get her into training until mid July. We think the agility is just tunnels, weave and A frame to start.
We're determined to make her a great example of the breed, she just doesn't know that yet!

Are there any other classes about you could try?

I have used one Moo was 10 mnths when I got her and fortunately has always been great and very social

I totally agree with your decision. Maybe you could try on lead socialisation walks instead? With some off lead, controlled play at the end. Would be a variety of ages/breeds then so will hopefully show her the ropes and teach her about manners/boundaries too.

Socialisation is important but you have to find what's right for you and Theia   

If its not for her just leave it. No drama it doesn't mean you won't socialise her. Peppa never done it as well.

I think you know your dog well... If you feel she will socialise better with adults, go for it. She will still learn the boundaries.

-Ian- wrote:I think you know your dog well... If you feel she will socialise better with adults, go for it. She will still learn the boundaries.

That's just it Ian, there were no boundaries! A free for all in a secure paddock at 11.30 on a hot june day isn't the way to go, in our opinion. She needs a dog that will tell her off firmly when she goes too far, my mams dog is perfect. Poor lad, he is tortured, but has the patience of a saint!!
Lynn

Yeah.. A free for all won't help at all. Might be fun for some but you know your girl needs to learn the early lessons. I think your spot on with your decision.

I was the same with puppy pre-school, didn't see any benefit as all pups and Koda just wanted to run riot with them all, quite a waste of time for us actually. She will soon learn the good socialisation through various other methods, keep at it & trust your instincts

Thanks for advice everyone. When we first went to class we wondered why there were no 'proper'  dogs there and now we know!!
We've been letting her meet as many dogs as possible and she is usually very good to start, but we explain to the people that as soon as she starts getting a little hyper, we're off.
I think a little trip to the sea front tomorrow (while Lynn's at work) maybe in order. Just me and my doll!!  
Pete

I feel a sickie coming on!!    
Lynn

Enjoy Theia - and Pete, pics please!!!


Lynn - do it

Definately pics.. Theia is rapidly becoming one of my faves here   

Tia is definitely the bounciest puppy at ours , she wants to play with everyone even though they all dont want to play with her ..she doesn't give up but i stand back and let the dogs do there thing and she eventually learns with them that she has to back off some..same out on the street , obviously i watch how they are but ive found dogs well 99% of them sort themselves out peacefully ..hope you find the right path for socialization for your Theia

Seaside pics!!! Awesome! Good decision regarding socialization and training.

I think Lynn has been doing a rain dance  

Lily was the same at her pup class. She used to chase the fluffy furry ones and hang on the fur. She was the most boisterous in the class, I used to dread taking her. she used to try and put the little pomeranians head in her mouth (she thought it was a cat and was expecting a scratch to to stop her). People complained about her bullying their dogs but she was just playing. she did the rest of her socialisation with older dogs at the beach who would keep her in check.   

she used to try and put the little pomeranians head in her mouth (she thought it was a cat and was expecting a scratch to to stop her).

I'm sorry Claire but that just made me giggle! Axl used to sit on Pugs when he was little, no other dogs, just Pugs.. was a nightmare lol

Debs01 wrote:

she used to try and put the little pomeranians head in her mouth (she thought it was a cat and was expecting a scratch to to stop her).

I'm sorry Claire but that just made me giggle!  Axl used to sit on Pugs when he was little, no other dogs, just Pugs.. was a nightmare lol

Lol at pugs. They are so funny   

I haven't tried the classes yet, loki is so hyper when he meets dogs but he's normally the one on his back most of the time, he's very gentle and no snapping when he's off the lead, but when he's on he snaps all the Time, I have a massive park/meadow by my house and I just let him go.

Theia is very eager to meet everything. She'll pull to get to dogs and she's very submissive and excited at first. As soon as we see her get a little to confident we remove her slightly. She's been warned a few times but the other owners are mostly too quick to stop their dog doing the teaching. I've explained that it's a good grounding for her but I don't let them interact for too long.
We were planning on her 1st agility lesson tomorrow but after a trip to the vet and a diagnosis of kennel cough she's infectious for a fortnight so no mixing with other dogs.
Pete

Oh no... Typical this had to happen with the good weather !

Hope she gets better real quick.

Thanks Ian. She's fine, just a bit sneezey and snotty.

you could give the kennel club puppy class a go, because it goes by the guideklines of the kennel club its not as free for all and has controllled meet and greets, its great i did it with millie and now shes done b
puppy, bronze, silver and now doing gold!!!, you should have a local one mmost places do

Here's the YouTube link for the video of Theias first day at puppy agility, she loved it (and so did I!)and we are going back tomorrow morning!!   
Staffy puppy doing agility: https://youtu.be/irQ6Wg6kKfs

Her puppy class starts next Thursday, it's the kennel club good citizen bronze class. They get paired up with suitable friends for socialization too. Looking forward to that one!

Our local pet paradise also runs puppy swimming classes, so going to get her booked for that!!
We are going to be shattered!!
Lynn

That puppy agility looks amazing

Wow! How wonderful! She looks like she had a ball!

She did so good!!! Look at her little legs go

Aww love the agility she looks sooooo cute doing it

Aww that's fantastic   Theia is a little star   

What a great vid... Looks like Theia thoroughly enjoyed herself, she is such a cutie   

shegsy wrote:Aww that's fantastic   Theia is a little star   

There's a bully walk on, Sunday 20th July, from the car park down from the bungalow cafe, if you fancy it. I am taking Theia, but will only be staying half an hour or so, these things can last a couple of hours!! It's an 11 am start, hope you can pop down!
Lynn

Thanks Lynn, I am going to try and pop down next Sunday as would love to see Theia and all the other bully's . We won't be participating in the walk though. Thanks again