Comments on: The truth is out there: So why can’t people find it?

By: Therese

Therese — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:29:09 +0000

These are the same people who say, “but I’ve been feeding my dog brand X forever and there’s never been a problem.” Some folks just seem to feel safer with their heads in the sand.

By: Gina Spadafori

Gina Spadafori — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:03:45 +0000

A great guideline offered by many behaviorists: A puppy should be exposed to 100 new things — sights, smells, sounds, people, etc. — in the first 100 days of life.

YES, you need to be careful about disease until all the vaccines are in. But that can be done by going places like the grocery-story patio where there are more people than dogs. I also like the outdoor patios of coffee houses.

In just a couple of months I’ll be raising a puppy for someone else, and you can BET we’ll be out and about like crazy.

By: Cardimom

Cardimom — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:30:53 +0000

A great way to socialize your dogs if you live alone is do what the lady in the above post did. . .except INVITE anyone and everyone to visit with and pet your dog; and, as Gina tried to suggest to that lady, bring treats to hand out for people to give to your dog. Socialization is soooo important, mostly because well socialized dogs can go more places with you and have a fuller life.

By: perkysmom

perkysmom — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:54:03 +0000

The woman with the puppy sounds like she’s going to the Michael Vick Dog Obedience School.

By: 2CatMom

2CatMom — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:43:21 +0000

Look at all the brats being raised today. Why would we think that people would do any better with their pets?

If people would focus on raising their kids (human or animal) to have manners and play nice, the worlk would be a much better place.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 08:26:55 +0000

This same socialization issue applies to kittens too. They need to be at least 12 to 16 weeks old some experts say. That is so they know how to play with other cats, so they know how to defend themselves, and know how to interact with a family dog, and how to interact and play with people. If they don’t get that training, then they often become fearful of strangers and run and hide from guests, don’t do well around dogs, and wind up being alpha or timid cats that don’t interact with other cats well. It’s the breeder’s and pet buyers faults when they get them before they are ready.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 08:04:50 +0000

The stupidity and ignorance of some people absolutely floors me.

By: Mikken

Mikken — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 02:51:02 +0000

Some folks just don’t want to see what’s in front of them…can you make them open to the possibilities? I don’t know. It would take a heck of a metaphorical carrot to lure them into the light.

Is it legal to sell a puppy at five weeks? The fact that someone would even consider it amazes me.

By: Jeanette

Jeanette — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:31:54 +0000

I’d love to have someone (with common dogsense) make up with my animals. I live alone and my animals always seem to be people shy. This makes some people assume they are mean when the animal just doesn’t trust them.
I put my dogs through obedience training as much for the people contact as for obedience.