Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Socialization

It's all about socialization at our house these days. Barbara is obsessed with it. Ambrose needs to be socialized to this, Ambrose needs to be socialized with that, is all I hear. It is very important that puppies get exposed, in a gentle, positive way to all sorts of experiences when they are under 16 weeks old. So according to Barbara, the clock is ticking. Of course we dogs need to keep being socialized all through our adolescence but the early weeks are critical

I was very well socialized as a puppy but I am getting a bit sick of all the time Barbara is spending doing it with Ambrose. It means I get neglected while she takes him off to have adventures. I have to stay home and he comes back with the smell of cheese on his breath.

Today she took him to her friend Jane's house to socialize with her foster dog Cherie and to walk in their neighborhood. Cherie is a lovely young pit bull mix that Jane, who is a dog trainer too, is fostering for the Durham Animal Protection Society.



Ambrose liked Cherie very much and you can see how nice she was with him. They practiced their sits before they went on their walk.



Ambrose got to see bicycles and he and Cherie met a little toddler. I hear that they behaved beautifully. I, of course, was not a witness since I was stuck at home alone. Barbara says that she has to "concentrate" on Ambrose. How hard can it be? He isn't that big!



Cherie is up for adoption. She is about a year old, spayed, housetrained and crate trained, really good with other dogs, loves people and of course has learned a lot of obedience skills from Jane. If you know of a great home for her, let me know.



Thank you for all your concern about my eating the brownies. I was fine and I can not understand why there was all the fuss. Actually I think it is some kind of conspiracy to keep us dogs from tasting something that is so delicious that the people want to keep it all for themselves.

The brownies were delicious. Barbara says that she hopes I enjoyed them because it will never happen again.

19 comments:

Lorenza said...

Hi, Niamh!
Ambrose and Cherie look so happy in those pictures!
Be patient!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Molly the Airedale said...

Isn't chocolate just the best, Niamh! We think the hoomans have been lying about this delicious stuff the whole time. I didn't get sick either when I ate the chocolate-dipped granola bar!
Ambrose is going to be the perfect little man! We just know it!

Yer friends,
Mitch and Maggie

Clive said...

Being left at home isn't nice, I know, Niamh but Ambrose was sure learning a lot and Cherie also. I'm sure you got a special treat for being so patient and waiting at home!!
lots of woofs ... Clive

Anonymous said...

Wow Ambrose is having so many adventures!! Don't be upset that you are not there too, be glad of some puppy free time!! ;) xx

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Oh Dear, Niamh. we are sorry that you are feeling a tad bereft and abandoned. Fear not, Ambrose will grow up soon!

Your Friends,
Tom and Tama-Chan

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

No fair you is being left alone. I hope mum never gets a puppy so all the attention is on me! Does you think you can give him back and just has him for playing biteyface?
I has not had chocolate yet, only carob stuff. But i is gonna make it my mission to sneak some!
~lickies, Ludo

Sue said...

Think of it as an opportunity to find other fun things to eat or tear apart while they're gone. Oh oh, I shouldn't have said that.

Comet said...

Comet needs to be socialized too. Does Barbara want to practice with him? You can have him. Really, I won't mind.
BLU

Stanislaw said...

I have to admit... with a puppy that cute around here, I'd bet my folks would give him LOTS of attention too. Keep up the good work being big sister, Niamh. Ambrose will be in tip-top shape in no time and then you'll get back in on the action!

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Ambrose is doing so good at the socializing. It is sad that you get left at home though.. Tell mom Ambrose needs a mentor!!

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Agatha and Archie said...

Niamh,Get yourself to the train station ..there is a ticket to Boston for you so you can come and play with us for awhile........(we will let you be naughty too) See these kids take over the whole joint..they have to be WATCHED I'm telling ya......Love A+A PS GREAT job with the brownies..You have given us some ideas.....

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

Cherie has the most georgeous smile. We hope she gets her home soon.

Ambrose is just so adorable.

Holly & Zac...XX

Anonymous said...

Hi Niamh,

Oh my human is mad about socialisation too - I'm now 5yrs old already and she is still doing it with me! She is always going on about taking me to new places and giving me "new experiences". She agrees with your human that socialisation is one of the most important things in producing a happy, confident, balanced dog.

Hope you get to take part in some "socialisation adventures" soon!

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane

Tee said...

Hello!

Ambrose and Cherie sure looks like they are enjoying their socialization ... :) We have tonnes of socialization session in my neck of the woods.

Licks and Wags

TUffy and the Dog Woods Pack

Juno said...

Hello Niamh!! We've missed you!! We spent some time to get caught up on your update and wow... you're big sissy now!! Ambrose is SOOOOOO adorable! (We have to add his name to our list.) Our mom couldn't stop saying 'awwwwwwwwwwwww'. Oh she thinks chocolate is really good but not for us. We're glad you were ok after tasting it. We're impressed what you left a sort of heart shape in the brownie tray. :)

Happy Sunday!

Momo & Pinot

Anonymous said...

Oh Niamh, it's hard being an older sib, for sure. Ambrose sure is a little cutie, though!

Your pal,
Joey

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Thanks for the info on birds. We were sure you were supposed to herd them..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Dexter said...

We are working on the socializing too. I am doing very well, but there was a doggie at obedience school I didn't like. I have never made mean speaks at a doggie before, but this guy just rubbed me the wrong way.

Sigh, Mango is not well socialized so I have to make up for his dumb behavior. Momma says he gets scared easily and then he barks and won't mind her. Not me.

Kisses,
Dexter

Chef said...

Please cheer up, Niamh. In the long run, it'll be better for you when Ambrose is socialized. You don't want a lunatic living with you, do you? Being left alone isn't fun but that's your chance to go sniffing around the stuff you're not allowed near ....(!!)

xox
Chef