Linda – The Probiotics Tooth Fairy

A guest post by Dr. Greg Martinez, author of the Dog Dish Diet

Imagine yourself being cloistered away for several years before you were introduced to your own species.

In fact you could have been raised by a species  of a certain color or gender. One that may have long or short  hair, or wear accessories. They may have had other species in the house. There may have been offspring.

That is the way we treat puppies. We fear disease and so we isolate them till they are “fully vaccinated” for parvo-virus at 16 weeks or 4 months of age. This wold be like keeping children isolated till they are 10 years old.

Puppies can be introduced to other people, cats, beards, hats, long hair, car rides, loud noises, flashlights, adult nice dogs and cats, or  adult cranky dogs and cats. Then when they encounter the species or situation as teenagers and young adults, they are less likely to blunder and experience fear or an attack.

Where are young puppies safe from puppy-hood diseases? They can visit the homes of your dog-owning friends or family that have vaccinated adult dogs that are not aggressive. It is OK to be be reprimanded; not OK to be bitten or attacked. You should avoid parks, schools, groomers, and other public places where sick puppies may vomit or poop the virus on the grass, dirt, or sidewalk. The virus can survive in places like that for a few months to 2 years.

Certain breeds need more socialization than others. Pits, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, are a few of the breeds that need extra socialization to diffuse the attack or guarding wiring that they are born with. Puppy classes are important and very good for these breeds. However, do not expect puppy classes to do the whole job! There are many more situations, types of people, and different ages and species in the real world to encounter!

A young Rottweiler came in for vaccines last week, and was extremely  nervous. I sat with her for ten minutes till she practically fell asleep on my lap. I was gently stroking her whole body and neck the whole time and was doing a health exam at the same time. I had completed my whole exam except for the mouth and teeth. I cupped the lower jaw and she immediately tried to bite me. Many guard dogs do not like their face and mouth touched. Help your friends, family, vets, and other dog owners out by making sure your puppy is  comfortable in new situations and with other people and animals.