Too soon to socialize?

J

JoonieB

Forums Regular
Hey everyone,
The time has come and I am picking up my 6 month old Sheltie puppy from his breeder this Friday. He will be my herding, obedience and agility prospect. My current Sheltie also competes in agility, but I acquired her when she was already 5 years old so this will be my first time with a baby. It so happens that I have an agility trial to attend this Saturday. Do you think it would be too soon to take the pup along for the socialization and interaction? Looking for opinions. I want him to get used to working and meeting people out and about ASAP but should I let him stay home and settle for a while first?
 
picked Destin up on a Friday- he was 3 months.
took him home, then to vet, then to friend's house where we stayed for the weekend while 4 yr old Dixie competed at an agility trial. Destin got to go to the trial too for socialization while the other two boys stayed behind at the friend's place.
 
JoonieB said:
Hey everyone,
The time has come and I am picking up my 6 month old Sheltie puppy from his breeder this Friday. He will be my herding, obedience and agility prospect. My current Sheltie also competes in agility, but I acquired her when she was already 5 years old so this will be my first time with a baby. It so happens that I have an agility trial to attend this Saturday. Do you think it would be too soon to take the pup along for the socialization and interaction? Looking for opinions. I want him to get used to working and meeting people out and about ASAP but should I let him stay home and settle for a while first?
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It's never too early to socialize as long as shots are current. Take him to Lowes, Petsmart, obedience matches, etc.!
 
6 months old is plenty old enough to socialize, especially if they're current on vaccinations. Just make sure he is enjoying himself and not too overwhelmed. Make sure you have a crate so he can have a place to escape. I've never been to an agility trial, but if it's anything like a flyball tournament.. having crate to relax in is key.
 
I'm with the others--I think it's fine. Just make sure as the others have said that he's able to get some alone time if he wants it. I also would make sure to take the time with just him--not just your pup who is competing. Take the new one outside alone, walks, etc.
 
Jess041 said:
6 months old is plenty old enough to socialize, especially if they're current on vaccinations. Just make sure he is enjoying himself and not too overwhelmed. Make sure you have a crate so he can have a place to escape. I've never been to an agility trial, but if it's anything like a flyball tournament.. having crate to relax in is key.
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nowhere near as crazy or loud as flyball.....................:winkgrin:
 
Jess041 said:
6 months old is plenty old enough to socialize, especially if they're current on vaccinations. Just make sure he is enjoying himself and not too overwhelmed. Make sure you have a crate so he can have a place to escape. I've never been to an agility trial, but if it's anything like a flyball tournament.. having crate to relax in is key.
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An agility trial makes a morgue seem perky if you are comparing with a flyball tournament :lol: Very quiet with a lone barking sheltie on course at times. Though I seem to recall some orgs have a no puppy rule but I cannot recall which ones.

Oh and Spitfire who reacts to everything went to flyball at 6 months old and just power slept in his kennel.
 
SheepOfBlue said:
An agility trial makes a morgue seem perky if you are comparing with a flyball tournament :lol: Very quiet with a lone barking sheltie on course at times. Though I seem to recall some orgs have a no puppy rule but I cannot recall which ones.

Oh and Spitfire who reacts to everything went to flyball at 6 months old and just power slept in his kennel.
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I think only AKC has rules about puppies on site- used to be 6 months old but since they started 4-6 month puppy class in conformation, it's 4 months now......
 
We picked Shelby up at 13 weeks of age, and 2 weeks later we took her camping with us for a week. I don't think it is too soon. The sooner the better.
 
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