Socialization should begin with the PON breeders and the young Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies. Handling and new experiences begin with the whelping box and should continue with handling and new experiences being introduced by your breeder. Ask your breeder what they have done to help introduce their PON puppies to new experiences. Once home sit down with your family/friends and brainstorm other ideas . Below are a few suggestions:
1. Introduce new people (1-2) at a time...with
different voices, sex,sunglasses, hats, etc.
Ask your PON breeder if their PON puppies
have met lots of people
2. Children of all ages--a few at a time. Do
not overstimulate which will be shown by
pacing or urinating...keep the play times
short--it is recommended quiet pet time
indoors and rougher play outdoors
3. Other dogs and animals--which are
vaccinated and not aggressive, but are of
other sexes, sizes, looks, etc.
4. Shopping--pet stores and other businesses
that allow pets, elevators, mall sidewalks,
shopping carts, elevators, people who will
provide treats (which you give to them) Pon
breeders have long known this trick.
5. Places and textures--different floor
coverings, ball games, playgrounds, nursery
schools, parks, trails, gravel, sand,pavement
(beware of heat in summer), water,snow,
etc. provide not only learning experiences
for Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppies
but provide stimulation for their growing
brains
6. Boarding/grooming--short periods of time
for Pon puppies at friends or kennel, or at
groomers for a very positive fun experience
7. Car riding...short periods of time using crate
or puppy seat belt--may get dramamine
instructions from vet to use first few times if
necessary; make positive. Most
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs learn to love to
ride.
8. Sights--balloons, bikes, motorcycles,
mirrors, mops, umbrellas, etc.--Sometimes
it is fun just to watch PON puppies learn
about different sights
9. Different smells--avoid toxic yard plants
with your young PON puppy. They don't
know safe from unsafe.
10.Play toys--plastic jugs, nylabones, ice
cubes (good for teething),squeaker toys and
tennis balls with supervision make great new
experiences for PON puppies.
11. Handle whole puppy---ears, mouth, feet,
tummy, etc. Never let your Polish Lowland
Sheepdog take charge, but remember you
must remain calm and positive
12. Sounds--thunder(do not baby), phones,
doorbell, washer and dryer, various music,
siren, bathwater running, toilet
flushing, blenders, vacuum cleaners,
alarm clocks, lawn mowers, etc.
REMEMBER:
THIS IS ONLY A STARTER LIST...ADD TO IT
