Puppy Preschool Where All Size Puppies Mix

[Stitch]

I have two 12 wk old pups that I am currently socialising in preparation for the showring.

When I went to enrol them in the puppy preschool that I usually take my pups to I found it isn't available until next year.

This puppy preschool doesn't let pups play together but rather lets them be near but still on a lead.

The only substitute class that I can find allows dogs of all sizes and temperaments to socialise freely together off lead.

My breed at this age is not confident and we have always supervised any interaction so that as much as possible the pups don't get frightened by big dogs standing over them.

Their confidence builds by being around dogs but not getting threatened.

I would like to hear your opinions about what seem to be two difference schools of thought ie. put all the pups in together and let them sort it out (but stop bullying) or just let pups be near other pups on a lead but not let them intimidate each other.

I have seen shy pups gradually blossom over several weeks in the puppy preschool when they are all in together BUT I don't want to risk the temperament of my pups, which at this stage is not outgoing, by letting them get overwhelmed by other pups.

Which method is best?

Edited September 25, 2014 by Stitch

[DeltaCharlie]

In your case, I wouldn't be risking the puppy preschool (unless it is run by some super duper trainer who knows exactly what they are doing). Are there any friends etc with appropriate dogs to socialise with instead? I personally go to puppy preschool for the exposure to other people rather than the other dogs. I don't want my puppies learning that playing with other dogs is the ultimate fun, I want them to think that other dogs simply "exist" in their world.

[Stitch]

Yes, that's how I feel about it too.

Problem is I don't live near my showdog friends but of course I can visit family etc. and also dog shows.

That might have to do until they get a bit older plus I will become a "lurker" on the edges of the obedience classes just to let the pups get used to the environment without pressure.

I have been taking the pups out separately with an older dog to get confidence in walking in strange places but puppy preschool is sooo much easier.

[The Spotted Devil]

I have a friend's pup for a month - no PPS but she's been to a variety of training grounds,water, cover, Uni twice, agility trial, weekend of camping and retrieving trialling, agility classes, had people and dogs stay with us, lots of car travel, positive visits to the vet etc etc. Sometimes in her crate/outside alone/out and about alone or with others - mix it up! She has been exposed to so much yet I have continued to train her in the process (recalls, retrieves, whistle sits etc) so new, exciting stuff also equals work. So far anyway :laugh:

BTW I run PPS classes on occasion and hate free for alls with a passion. Greetings between well matched pups are fine but I generally prefer to have both social and shy pups work on recalls etc using other pups as distractions. Even confident pups can get a fright and/or develop too much value for other pups.

Edited September 25, 2014 by The Spotted Devil

[Stitch]

Yes that all sounds good Spotted Devil.

I am so concerned about getting these two out and about as they are not at all confident and I am mindful of the small amount of time I have before the first fear period.

They are already fearful of new situations so I don't want to make it worse.

[VizslaMomma]

Yes, that's how I feel about it too.

Problem is I don't live near my showdog friends but of course I can visit family etc. and also dog shows.

That might have to do until they get a bit older plus I will become a "lurker" on the edges of the obedience classes just to let the pups get used to the environment without pressure.

I have been taking the pups out separately with an older dog to get confidence in walking in strange places but puppy preschool is sooo much easier.

Only if the puppy school is run like you would run it yourself if you were the instructor...

By that I mean some schools can be mayhem, short & simple. We just looked after an 8 month old Chesapeake Bay Retriver bitch. Puppy school nearly scared her witless. It was the lack of control from the owners of the other puppies that made the problems.

Edited September 26, 2014 by VizslaMomma

[The Spotted Devil]

Yes that all sounds good Spotted Devil.

I am so concerned about getting these two out and about as they are not at all confident and I am mindful of the small amount of time I have before the first fear period.

They are already fearful of new situations so I don't want to make it worse.

Understand. I think the really important thing is to take things at the individual pup's pace. Yes, we know there are fear periods but they are only defined from a scientific point of view - like seasons timing is fluid and every pup seems to deal with stuff differently. Let them approach new situations, people, nice dogs etc without pressure. We had a thunderstorm when I first had Sky home and she was understandably a bit shaken. By the end of it she was competing with my adults to see who could sit first to get the cheese when the thunder clap came. Fireworks the other night and she slept through it :laugh: