Honey’s breeder strongly urged us to expose Honey to as many different people, places, and things as possible while she was still a puppy. That’s how I knew we had found the right breeder.
Puppies need to be socialized to a wide variety of situations so they don’t fear them as they grow up. We thought we were very thorough but sometimes Honey will surprise us by showing some shyness. The most recent surprise? Snowmen. She’s not sure what to make of them.
Since Honey came to us in late March, I guess we can’t feel too bad about it. But I’m determined to keep the socializing going.
Our new dream is to take up sailing and we want Honey to go with us. That means getting her used to new noises and sensations–flapping sails, lines slapping the side of the boat, moving from a moving dock to a moving boat.
Of course, it’s as hard to expose a dog in upstate to NY to sailing in February as it is to expose a dog in upstate NY to snowmen in March (most years). That’s why we’ve been walking through the boat yard in mid winter. Not everything is battened down so we still get some interesting sounds and lots of flapping tarps.
Honey’s not too sure about it yet but we’re hoping a calm attitude and lots of yummy treats will make it easier.
you are such a good dog mom! we could all learn a few things from you 🙂
Honey has been socialised amazingly well. I think it is only natural for every dog to have some fears. It’s how you deal with these fears that makes all the difference. Clearly you have her best interests in mind and I know you will approach all new situations gently and positively. Honey is bound to thrive.
I have always wanted to learn how to sail and am very jealous. I hope you have lots of fun together! If wacky Shiva can learn to relax in a tippy canoe – well, relax may be an exaggeration – then I am sure Honey will end up loving the open sea!
I agree with Kristine, you can’t plan for every scenario, so there can always be something that pops up to surprise you and your dog. I’m glad to hear that you’ve taken such a good approach to expose her to so many things!
I wish I were going sailing with you!
Aw, Honey’s scared of snowmen?
From a kayak to a boat – what a lucky dog Honey is. At least she’s already got the balance on water thing worked out.
I dream of getting Georgia onto a ferry one day (apparently if the captain says okay, you can bring your dog on board!) but I’m scared she might embarrass me by freaking out and then jumping overboard. And I wouldn’t be able to save her because I swim even worse than her!
Once you work out how to make Honey a sailor, please post clear instructions for us :p