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Should I take a break from gradschool?

How bad is it to take a break in socializing?

  • Please read the whole question before answering. I'm socializing my GSD puppy who is now 14 weeks old (3 months), and she's been doing a really good job. However, over the past day and a half I've gotten very sick. Sore throat, chronic headaches, weak shaky body, congestion...the works. I couldnt take her to Class yesterday because of it. Did manage to take her to the pet store for some socialization, but I was so out of it the whole time, and even though she was really good if something bad had happened I dont know how well I could have handled the situation. On the one hand I know I need to take care of myself, and I know that I need my rest. On the other hand, I'm nervous about taking any personal days because I know how important socialization in a puppy is. I would love to just ask someone in my family to take care of her and bring her places, but unfortunately I cant trust them. My step dad is on disability so he cant be seen walking a dog, doesnt have a car anyway, and my mom works very late hours and even still she tends to confuse all the training (she mixes up commands, doesnt enforce things etc) and make the pup a little wild. Every time I try to ask a friend over their busy...so the only thing I can do is just not take her anywhere for a couple days while I get better. Its not an ideal solution. Anyway, I'm wondering if taking a break like this from socializing will have any immediate negative effects on her at all. She's had 0 negative experiences with dogs cats and people, and since she is a GSD already displays natural confidence and as a puppy, friendliness. Honestly I've never had a problem bringing her anywhere, but I'm really not myself. I cant tend to her as well as I would if I were healthy, and part of me thinks she can sense that also. I would like to take a couple days to rest, but again I dont want to risk it if the pup will suffer from it. Opinions/thoughts?

  • Answer:

    You're right, its not ideal, but I dont think it will matter too much, if its only for a couple of days. Just make sure you get back into the routine as soon as you feel well enough (dont rush it) to prevent the puppy from getting distressed about being put back into social situations. But as I said, dont stress, a handful of days isnt a big deal. :)

nanashiw... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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I don't think a few days are such a big deal. On the contrary it would be worse to force yourself to take her places when you are sick and feeling weak. Because it might put a lot of stress on your pup IF she would get the idea in her head that she has to protect you. So rest s few days and than keep socializing her as soon as you feel better.

Conny B

While it's not a good idea, you are sick and there is nothing you can do.

Afghan Hound

Do you realize that you need to socialize this dog for at least a year and preferably the first two years? Even if you pup seems fine during this class, things can change a lot during adolescence which can begin around four to five months of age. Keep going to those classes. As far as how much right now matters, if this dog has shyness issues, you will have some problems with too long of a break. Too long is more like a month. Pups can be bold, then suddenly seem shy. You need to keep her learning and learning to cue off of you when she isn't certain about things.

P Swager

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