What happens in a good dog socialisation class?

Helen1976

Excuse my ignorance but I have no experience of them!

I'm wondering whether my 7 month old rescue pup might benefit or is it too late?

I have no issues whatsoever with him but he doesn't get to meet many dogs...we live in the country and I walk him on a quiet country road/off-lead in a field and we never meet other dogs! And I can't bring him anywhere else to exercise him because he always throws up in the car

If we do meet dogs, he just gets very giddy and excited on the lead, which I presume is normal for a pup! He never growls or shows any type of aggression but I'm wondering should I bring him to a socialisation class. I don't know of any in my area (South Tipp) but I'm sure my vet could recommend one?

Sigma Force

The nearest ones to you are probably a bit of a drive creedons doggy daycare in Cork or Elistaeducation in roscrea/Laoise area. South and North Tipp really are in bad need of a properly run dog training school.

Two of mine don't travel well but I've found if I use a car seat belt harness instead of the crate and they are sitting on someones knee they don't get sick anymore. On the other hand if you don't use a crate it might be an idea to invest in one for the car, that way if the dog does get sick it's easier to clean up ..bring a bag with extra newspapers, blanket, kitchen paper, plastic bags and some baby wipes and keep it in the car that way clean ups aren't as big a pain.

It's never too late to bring them to a class, I think there might of been one in Nenagh somewhere but not sure. Just make sure whichever class you go to that they only use humane methods of training, no forcing the dog or pulling etc.

The more often you take the dog in the car the more he'll get used to it so maybe take him for 5 minute drives at first, when you feel he's going to be sick turn around and head home, keep drives short and eventually build them up for longer, ideally do it when he hasn't eaten anything like first thing in the morning before he has breakfast.

We're in North Tipp and I used Happier Hounds Now called Elista http://www.elistaeducation.com/) at the time it was in Abbeyleix, when our youngest was a pup and it really helped, I should of continued on to the next workshop/course but at the time couldn't get around to it. We have two other dogs but they are older and have grown out of the playing stage and find him annoying lol

Maybe put up an ad in your vets and see if you can set up a dog walking/social group in your area even if it's only once a month to start with.

Helen1976

The travel sickness issue might actually be improving. I had him in the car one morning last week for 20 mins and he didn't get sick! He used to puke after about 10 mins :-0 He was fasting that morning, though, so that obviously helped

I might try walking him in a great park nearby first where there are loads of dogs...and then I'll go down the classes route.

mickmcl09

There's classes held in Manor St.John in Lisduggan, Waterford City by the Deise Canine Club. Google Deise Canine Club for contact details. Might be a bit closer for you if you're in South Tipp.

Brought my Sammie (who was really giddy in every situation) there @12 months, so it's never too late. Basic training is covered once a week for 7 weeks. I have another Sammie coming early December and he'll be going to it as well, there's a great social aspect to it.

JustAThought

Mine used to get carsick ; luckily i had a crate bought ; the best money I ever spent in terms of dog safety and saved fees for car cleaning!!!! I had her in the back seat driving to the park yesterday ( crate dismantled for annual clean!) & on our return covered in wet mud remembered ( again!) why I love it so much!!! I'd highly recommend one!
BTW; she used to be carsick ( crate, newspapers; remove & replace) & someone told me at the KC to put an old coushin in with her. I did and literally immediately she stopped being carsick! Couldn't believe it !!! I think sitting on it stopped her sliding about so much & made her move less & better! Worth a try!!!
I had the same prob ; only 1 dog so I took her to socialisation: mine loves it; we go early & hang back after for a play too two years on & it's dark at night at five so we ve started going back ( I'm in Dublin) & hey presto; there's a lode of older / forgotten their training/ semi lonely dogs there too!! Again:she still totally lovess it ; they really are friendly social yokes : )
I find now with the early dark nights & the parks closed at 4 it can be tricky to meet up with dogs & mine gets all hyped up & even madder alone, so I'd really recommend finding somewhere; even if you have to drive her & have her in for a fun day; shed meet lids if different sizes & ages & types of dog; it's really good for them and as they grow up the won't keep getting madder & develope wierd quirks & dog phobias!!!
Best if luck

Helen1976

I actually have 2 dogs (my other guy is 18 months old) and they get on grand together but they'll never be best buds, I think. The only other dog they spend any time with is my mother in law's dog, who they both love! But I think they need to broaden their horizons

As for the crate in the car? He sleeps in a crate at night and loves it but it's huge! I might try the harness and see does that help at all. With 3 kids in carseats, I have enough equipment in the car!!