proper etiquette for jumping puppy when socializing with other dogs

[Jacks Mom]

Hello,

I'm looking for what is the proper etiquette for socializing with other dogs. My puppy is just 10 weeks old. He is generally very mellow, but when he meets other dogs he jumps up on them. When I hold his harness collar down it seems ok, but he then still sometimes nips - more touches with his mouth, as a retriever does. Do you have any tips on propoer etiquette for socializing with other dogs? I want to be teaching him the right behaviors, but I'm not exactly sure what they are...what CAN dogs do and what should they NOT do when socializing with other dogs.

[BigBrownDog]

Generally you don't need to train your puppy how to behave around other dogs. He's one of them - he will behave appropriately or they will correct him. And - dogs do play bite each other - normal.

And - until your puppy is fully immunized you are much better off only allowing him around dogs you KNOW to be 100% current on vaccinations - and in areas where there is not frequent dog traffic. He is very susceptible to potentially lethal dog diseases/viruses which can be transmitted dog to dog or acquired from surfaces.

[Tanya]

puppies are ... puppies! let them be.

if possible sign up for a puppy kindergarden class which is a safe place to start early socizliation. until a puppy has had their second round of shots (or preferably the 3rd) you must be very very careful where you bring them in public and which dogs they meet as they can easily catch a deadline desiese. so keep it to playdates with dogs you know in their (or your) yard.

Dogs teach each other how to behave and what is appropriate - that isn't for you to do. your job is to ensure your puppy is sociazliaed (safely!) to learn. Puppies also generally have a "puppy license" - older dogs will let them do whatever for the first while (generally, there are exeptions) until they loose their "puppy licence" when they will show the puppy that is no longer appropriate behavior.

[Luvmydog2much]

Dogs teach puppies better than you can. Find someone with an older dog that you trust, not all dogs are the same.

My Ruby is the best. She's worth her weight in gold, she plays and loves, but doesn't take a lot of 'crap'.

Here's a video of my then 9 week old NOla and Ruby, who will be 7. Its all in play, regardless of teeth etc. NOla is learning. See at about 40 seconds in, Ruby MEANS that correction, then when Nola comes back at 45 seconds, she pins her.



Here's another of Ruby, with her own puppies, 7 weeks old. She would play, but when one got too rowdy (1:25) she didn't hesitate to correct her.

[Tanya]

Melissa! OMG is Nola too cute for word! what a personality she has Love smart Ruby getting a toy to distract her (Rocky does this but not to play WITH the dog, but he knows it will distract the puppy from trying to play with him )

and seeing labby puppies - awww definately hard work being a mom to all those biting puppies, good girl Ruby!

[Jacks Mom]

Such great advice from you all - thank you! I wish we had an older puppy that we know that is willing to help 'train' my pup! Maybe will try a puppy kindergarten.

[BigBrownDog]

Such great advice from you all - thank you! I wish we had an older puppy that we know that is willing to help 'train' my pup! Maybe will try a puppy kindergarten.

If you have a friend with an adult bitch she may be a perfect choice to "train" your puppy. I would not just match him up with other puppies. Being with an adult (vaccinated) dog who is well tempered (one who likes the company of other dogs) can impart very valuable lessons to a puppy.