Ian Dunbar (I think it's Ian Dunbar, might be someone else) says that puppies should meet 100 new people every week during the critical socialization period, from 8-16 weeks, with care taken during the fear period (9-11 weeks) to make sure they only have positive experiences particularly during that time (and aren't forced to be more social than they are comfortable being- some pups go through a noticable shy stage and others don't, but you CAN really screw up a puppy by forcing them to be petted by people they're scared of or that are overbearing). It's definately a balancing act. But in general, pet supply stores just aren't a good idea- if you MUST go to one, find a mom and pop store (in Dallas, City Pet and Canine Commisary are good, for example) that mops with a parvocide every single night without fail and cleans up accidents with the same. Just soap/wax and deodorizer is NOT good enough to prevent disease transmission.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Oh yeah (more info)
Date: 2007-08-20 06:31 pm (UTC)Cait (wearing Dogstar dogtrainer hat)