Gun Dog Forum

Is a 4 month old pup to old to socialize into a family dog with small children? And has he missed any any crucial stages in developement/training by not being placed with a family?

No. A lot though will depend how the pup was treated before you got him.. By that I mean, if the dog was treated rough he may not readily trust humans as well as a pup that you brought in to your home at seven weeks old. One of the signs will be is acting toughher than what he might be, by barking at strangers when they first come in contect with him/her.In most case it's the pups and later the dogs way of bluffing those they are unsure off.
Or the pup with little tender care and loving will fit in to your household like he always belonged there. Just make sure you have him in your lap while watching TV /and or take him everywhere you go to socialize him with strange people and objects.
I think you and the pup will be oK.

Greg.

Dirtysteve
We need picutes!

I haven't got him yet......soon

oh yeah thanks for the replys

I have 4 month old pups and two of them have been with a trainer since December. I saw them this weekend and they are as sweet as ever and recognized us immediately. They were extremely well socialized from the moment of birth and most of this time they have spent with some of their siblings, but not many for long as the others went to their new homes. In other words they were weaned from their littermates. They are incredible.

I don't think you will have a problem. Take the kids with you when you go and look at the pop.

Pat

Sure get us all exited for nothing... I forgot but was it male or female? It is out of Sonny to right, or a grand pup....
4 months you have not a thing to worry about. From the plain to the field I say!!!! Get them birds!

A four month old is a sponge, pure and simple. There should be very little baggage involved. Socalization with other dogs at this point should be easy for the little kid. However, any older dogs may directly put the pup in it's place. The little one will learn manners first hand. Go easy, watch, observe and direct.

TAK
He is a direct son of Sonny.
Dam is a grandaughter of FC White Smokin Mad Max and FC Wrenegades Strike Three. I'm sending the money on friday....So hopefully in the next week or two I will have him. I can hardly wait

Wow.

Sonny, from all I hear, is a heck of a dog.

You're going to have you hands full, Steve.

Best,

Congrats on the new pup Steve. Look at it this way....... at four months old, you might be able to have him ready to run a trial with us next winter. Plus you can come to the Dave Walker Seminar that our club is putting on.

Can you or Tom send me the info on the seminar?

Certainly not too old for socialilzation to a new family. I just picked up a 5 month old that was strictly a kennel pup...she came into hte house bowing down to the others...for about 10 minutes. Then anything went...and she gets along great with the kids. They're still young enough to adapt pretty fast to new environments, provided you put the time and attention into him. He's a great age to start training. You'll be in the field and trials with him in no time. Congrats. on your new pup and good luck!