Thursday, December 10, 2009

Time for School!

This morning called for a run to a preschool I do photos for & I thought it would be a good opportunity of socialization for Mr. Marley. I fully understand how important socialization is for puppies & while M #5 has been out several times we've been so crazy busy I've not gotten him out as much as I'd like. I was pleasantly surprised at how receptive he was to the children (2-4 year olds) and how many kisses he offered to them! He stayed in my lap & as the kids bent down to see him he'd lap them all over their nose & lips. They thought it was hysterical but I couldn't help but ask the kids, "what would mom say if they saw him kissing you on the lips??". hehe

I'm so happy he has so far kept the happy go lucky personality that his mom has & I hope he continues to do so. At over 13 week he has surpassed the age when my 11 week old Matilda began showing her teeth & nipping at people who tried to touch her. Even with extensive socialization, especially after she began to display that behavior (she was taken out several times a week for months), she has never completely gotten over her fear of stranger contact but as I've blogged about in the recent months, it has gotten a bit better for her.

I did not have my camera with me at the preschool but I leave you with 2 cell phone snaps of Marley's preschool experience. I hope to take him back again so he can continue to see the smaller children & see they will not, in fact, eat him....as I undestand many Chi's believe. ;o)



4 comments:

  1. How fun! It's so important to socialize our animals. Chihuahuas back in the day were one-owner type dogs that had a tendency to bite. As a child I was afraid of them. It seems all the ones I meet today are pretty laid back and friendly. I'm glad this breed no longer has that one-owner label. They're such awesome dogs. :)

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  2. Ah I need to socialize Scout a little more...I've been slacking. I'm glad Cookie passed on her personality!

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  3. That is a really good idea. I have to grab passerby on the street and ask them to stroke Elliot, lol. Today he met 2 little children, a spaniel and a westie (the westie's mum said "be nice to the pussy-cat" to her dog, oh dear.
    Glad Marley enjoyed himself with the kids.
    Lynne

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  4. I can sympathize with you on the socialization. We took Daisy everywhere with us and then when she reached a certain age she didn't like strangers or strange dogs. I sometimes think some of it maybe hereditary in some way, but I'm not saying that it could not be trained out with extensive work.

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