Hovawarts and socialization

Kenzo in puppy days

It is always nice when you know your blog is being read. Even better - for us - when we hear it is actually used by visitors to form an opinion on Hovawarts.

Kelsey M. used our blog when she researched dog breeds and decided to get a Hovawart. She found it an "indespensible source of real-life information". No need to say, how flattered that makes us feel. After a long time selecting the right breeder, Kelsey's pup was born 2 weeks ago. And then there is also Linda T. - who is getting her Hovawart puppy at the end of this week and asked for some advice through Facebook. I promised to both Kelsey and Linda, to write something about our experiences when we socialized Kenzo.

Socializing your puppy is by far the most important thing you are going to do with your puppy. It will equip your pup to handle the world around him in the future. A puppy's socialization's period is usually between 8 and 16 weeks. During this period they are most impressionable and it is crucial they are exposed to as many positive experiences as possible. Positive experiences with people, other dogs, city and/or outdoor life, traffic and everything else they will encounter in life.

The good news is that socializing a Hovawart is not very different than you would do with a puppy of any other dog breed. And exactly this week Animal Cafe is featuring Socialization: starting puppies off right. Go and have a look, listen to the podcast, and follow the links. You will find all the info you need for proper socialization.

Back to Kenzo's socialization. One thing we did was to go to the entrance of our local shopping mall a number of times. While my wife was shopping inside, I was just outside with Kenzo. We met a lot of people going in and out. Cars were driving in the parking lot. A perfect setting. People came up wanting to pet Kenzo, after all who can resist that little fur ball. I let them give him treats as well. He met so many people and kids that way, he doesn't feel threatened today when people come up wanting to say hello. For every dog, and especially for a Hovawart, it is crucial.

We also went to the city center of Copenhagen. But that was so busy, he was quickly overwhelmed with all the people so we sticked with the local shopping mall. We even illegally sneaked inside and introduced him to stairs, elevators and all those fun things you find in a mall. Always staying neutral in voice and giving him lots of treats to make it a good experience.

To socialize Kenzo with dogs we let him meet some of the local dogs we knew were friendly. My dog skills during those days were not so great, and I misjudged some of the dogs, but always made sure Kenzo closed with a positive dog meet. Don't ask the other owner if his/her dog is nice and if they can meet, as they will usually say their dog is alright, make up your own mind well ahead. When you do meet another parent with a nice dog, see if you cannot make an appointment for a new "doggy meet". A lot of people will advice you to go to the dog park with your pup. Don't. The risk of things going wrong is just too high.

Unfortunately in Kenzo's case we were too late reserving a spot in puppy socialization class. It would be definitely something I would recommend. Not only would your puppy meet other puppies under supervision, you can also get great advice of the dog trainer.

Kenzo shredding the mailman's deliveries ...

One of the things we didn't do and regret until this day, is having Kenzo as a puppy to meet the people that go by the house. The mailman, early morning joggers, etc. After a while, his Hovawart guarding instincts also kicked in and he doesn't allow anybody close by the house. Let the mailman come by and give him a treat. Sit with him on the doorstep and look at joggers running by, maybe they stop and want to give your pup a treat as well. It will save you a lot of trouble later on.

My last advice would be to follow Smart Dog University. Socializing your pup doesn't stop at week 16. Laurie Luck is a trainer of service dogs and she blogs of all things she does to further train and socialize her dogs to human life, also after week 16.

Socializing is so much fun. I took a week off from work as well, and I can still remember it as a one of the best weeks of my life, and I know Kenzo would concur.