Expert: Kaza - 1/14/2009

Question
My bichon frise puppy doesn't like walking, he is afraid everytime he meets someone else on the way, even dogs, he stops and doesn't want to walk anymore. He is 10 weeks old now, we have him since he was 6 weeks, he is very happy inside and very playful but not the same when he goes outside for a walk. What do you think I should do?

Answer
Hello Camelia
this is normal when a puppy has not been well socialised by the breeder.
It is I am afraid now your job to do all what your breeder did not do to ensure that this little dog grows up both physically and emotionally well balanced.
On our global website we actually do what I call a socialisation check list which I shall include here for you, if you follow the instructions and show him as much as possible now , he will be just fine. Remember, you are now both his friend, his littermate but more importantly for both of you his pack leader, providing you remember that then I foresee no problems, problems usually occur when that balance is lost.
The checklist below acts as a guide to help you socialise your puppy with as many people and experiences as possible.  It is important to ensure that these experiences are pleasant for the puppy, a frightening experience could have the reverse effect!




People                                                  Animals






Adults (men and women)



Larger adult dogs




Young adults, elderly people



Smaller adult dogs




Disabled people



Puppies




Loud, confident people



Black/brown dogs




Shy, timid people



Yellow/white dogs




People in uniform



Ducks




People wearing hats



Livestock




People with beards



Horses




People with crash helmets


I m going to add here Culturally different people, those wearing Burkas, shrouds and Veils, mine went crazy when they first saw them in the park. The reaction of those wearing such items made it far worse, they panicked (yes even at something so small) this increased the doggy barking.


Cats




People wearing glasses




Delivery people




Joggers










Children:                                                         Inside the house - noises







Babies



Washing machine/dryer




Toddlers

Farting, pups run a mile when they hear loud ones...

Sneezing same as above.



Vacuum cleaner




Juniors



Telephone




Teenagers



Lawn mower




An argument




People behaving affectionately




Visitors arriving/leaving






Travel:                                                             Environmental experiences:







In a car



A pedestrian area




On a bus



An unfamiliar house




On a train



Shops




Meet traffic



Kennels




Meet motorbikes



Park




Meet HGVs



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