Concerned about puppy's socialization?

Hi, I have an 11 week old puppy and I too can not take him out at all, but I keep him really busy with playing and toy's at home, He likes the sound of TV, and I also carry him in my lap when we have to step out. I was also concerned about limiting his socialization. My vet and Friends have told me that it's okay if he is not going out at the moment, and when he will he will be okay with other dog's and strangers. You are bringing your puppy from a very closed environment (shelter) he will be timid and shy for a while.You just have to make sure you keep him around people at home, play with him, and just work with him until he's ready to go out. His fear of others is natural. But once he will be able to start going out and playing in parks with other dogs he will be fine:) Good Luck!

chances are he came from a crappy enviroment if he was placed in a shelter at that young age. The humans probably didnt handle him much or expose him to new things. After that he got dumped at a shelter where once again not handled by humans and sat behind 4 walls. Now he is with you and everything is new to him and the world looks so big. He is scared. It is crucial you take him everywhere you can. Do what you are doing ask kids and people to pet him. Put him on the ground though dont hold him or you will create another issue. He will out grow this if you help him. Do not feel sorry for him or baby him like a child. Help him become out going and trusting.

All puppies are different ...... it might be down to something as simple as his breed (or the breeds in his background). On the other hand, coming into and from a Shelter could mean perhaps his dam wasn't that sound in temperament, and he has inherited this. But at 10 weeks of age, it's way early to be sure how he's going to end up so don't worry. And don't force him into situations that are going to worry him. Let him accept new situations on his own terms especially if he is a more retiring sort - forcing him could well lead to fear biting (worst scenario, it won't happen!).

Once he's finished his full course of injections, get him enrolled into some puppy classes where he can meet other puppies and their owners, in a controlled environment. Meanwhile don't push him, just let him enjoy being a puppy.

No puppies are usually very outgoing at this age with everyone. The only time they act fearful is the first few days of coming home or when someone has hurt them or abused them. Did the adopters tell you anything about the past owners abusing him? If not then he might have anxiety.

My dogs get quite scared and bark and growl if they meet another dog when they're on their leads, but are happy and playful when they're not. I know you can't really let him off yet but when you can, do at least let him on a long lead so he can play with other dogs and people without feeling restricted. He might also feel intimidated because people are so much taller, so if you're introducing your dog to a stranger, you could try getting them to squat down and talk to him gently while feeding him treats and/or stroking him gently on the head.

Hope this is helpful!

He may have been mistreated before his arrival at the shelter. Places like Petsmart and Petco offer puppy training, and they can focus on socialization in a positive manner, if that's something you're concerned about.

Good luck!

He's essentially a baby, he's scared of new things and strangers, expose him to this more often and he should grow confident.