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Both valid points, @jenz and Paula @bernerlabreclectus ! I grew up raising Guide Dog puppies so it’s really natural for me to have a dog attached, everywhere I go. And I agree that puppies also need to learn to be left alone!
I used to do puppy field trips on the regular with my clients in puppy classes (I miss teaching puppy classes!) We had SUCH a great time being out & about together that I morphed it into Out & About classes, meeting weekly in a different location for ALL dogs. It was really a great experience for everyone. Some of these folks are still my friends – 10 years later, and from another state!
Socialization NEVER ends. We must continually reinforce our adolescent and adult dogs for desired behaviors out in the world. It can really pay off!!
I also agree that some dogs have a better genetic potential for being adaptable in a variety of environments and that not every dog can be unflappable, no matter how hard we work on it. That’s a whole ‘nuther topic!
I’ll attach a few photos from “back in the day” with puppy field trips and Out & Abouts!
