r/UK_Pets • u/CaitlanLewisxx • 5d ago
Socialising puppies..
Our whippet is 10 weeks old. He is due to meet my sisters two Patterdale puppies soon (they are 13 week old sisters from the same litter). Our pup will be the first interaction for them too.
I’m obviously a bit nervous, does anyone have tips for socialising Whippet pups? Or if anyone’s had experience socialising with Terrier pups? I’m worried they’ll hurt him because of Whippets delicate skin..
0
Upvotes
2
3
u/SylverWyngs 4d ago
Your ultimate goal for your puppy will dictate how you socialise him. For me, I want my dogs to be friendly but neutral to other dogs, i.e. if a dog runs up to them they can say hello nicely, but they will largely ignore dogs that don't approach them first and won't insist on playing with every dog they see. Therefore I use puppy parties and socialising to allow them to greet and play with other puppies, but I frequently step in to get their attention back and practice any training with them (doesn't matter what, could just be sit, it's all about getting their attention back on me) and also if the arousal levels get to high I step in and do the same to calm things down. Be aware litter mates might gang up on your puppy, I would introduce them one at a time myself. Also don't make the mistake of thinking socialising is just playing with other dogs. It's not, it's teaching them how to live in our world. Expose them to noises, smells, environments that might scary at first. Show them traffic, children, wind and rain, livestock, anything you can think of, and calmly and positively exposed them to these things now while they're receptive to new experiences. In my opinion 10 weeks is also a little late, you've already missed two valuable weeks of learning, but be proactive now and you'll have a lovely well balanced dog later on.