Second Chance: Myth Busters

20 Nov Second Chance: Myth Busters

Hobbes

There are some myths out there regarding caring and training pets. Here at Second Chance Humane Society, as part of our outreach and education to make the world a more petcentric place, we would like to dispel these myths for the greater good of humanity and animality.  My name is Hobbes and while I wait for someone lucky to adopt me I am promoting this cause, not completely out of self-interest alone.

So the myth I would like to rectify (or chew to pieces) today is that puppies (regardless of whether they are as cute as me or not) should not go out in public until they have had all their vaccinations at 16 weeks/6 months of age.  While it appears scientifically sound on its face (an unvaccinated puppy is at risk for contracting deadly diseases), puppies who aren’t properly socialized are at a much greater risk for developing behavior problems, including aggression, that are likely to shorten their lives.

It is true that the best way to ensure that your pup isn’t exposed to dog germs is to avoid exposure to unknown and/or possibly unhealthy dogs (and their waste). But it’s also critically important that your pup get lots of exposure to the rest of the world, including healthy puppies in a controlled environment, before the critical socialization period ends at 12 to 16 weeks. If he doesn’t, he’ll be at risk of developing serious, sometimes deadly, behavior problems.

During the period leading up to the age of four to six months, your pup has protection from his mother’s immunities, and should receive “puppy shots” to cover that period of time when his mother’s protection starts to decrease. Not only is it “okay” to take your pup places while exercising reasonable caution, you have an obligation to provide him with extensive socialization in order to maximize his chances of leading a long and happy life, and what pup doesn’t want that?  I call it longihappitude.
I am a very good-natured and adorable puppy seeking companionship – my littermate Calvin was adopted last week and I am getting lonely.  Come meet me today and I can show you firsthand how to get some longihappitude of your own…
And if a furry feline is your preference, let me introduce my favorite kitty at the shelter, Chucky.  Chucky arrived at only 4 weeks old and is now almost 7 months.  Like canines – felines do better if properly socialized and so the longer Chucky spends at the shelter, the longer it will take for him to adjust to life outside of the shelter.  He was the shy one of his litter and thus has been overlooked by adopters– but he has a heart of gold and will make someone’s life very rich…

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)