FAQ: Socialization for Females In-Season
Q - What changes are we making?
A – Historically, females in season have not been socialized in public. Initially, from the time they first came in season for 28 days (or one week post last spotting) they were required to stay home or be boarded in a commercial kennel facility or on campus. More recently, the campus boarding option became unavailable, and females in season stayed at home or in a commercial boarding kennel. On an individual basis, exceptions were granted for puppies to go to work with raisers wearing ‘in-season pants’ when there were no other dogs in the environment and the raiser’s work was not public facing. We are now lifting these socialization restrictions. In-season females will be socialized both in jacket and out of jacket wearing ‘in-season pants’. Raisers of females in season should avoid areas that are likely to include intact males (puppy club meetings and outings, GDB media events, etc.).
Q – Why are we making these changes?
A – We are making these changes for a few reasons. First, we strongly believe that females in season can be safely socialized in public provided they are wearing ‘in-season pants’. Second, the loss of socialization opportunities for females can be difficult for the puppy and the raiser. Allowing them to continue with their regular socialization schedule to the greatest extent possible is a benefit to both. Third, we believe it is important to normalize the natural biological process of females being in season and educate the public about this process.
Q – Where do we get ‘in-season pants’?
A – GDB will provide ‘in-season pants’ in the same way we provide puppy jackets. Raisers with intact females will request pants from their support person (club leader or PFM). The pants supplied by GDB will be part of the puppy’s ‘uniform’. They are solid black and can be worn with the jacket when socializing in public. If raisers would like to purchase other types of pants to be worn by the puppy at home or when not wearing the jacket, they can choose other colors and patterns.
Q – What do we say if the public asks about the pants?
A – If you get inquiries from the public, please let them know that your puppy is being considered for the GDB Breeding program to create the next generation of guide dogs and that she is currently in season. She is wearing pants for sanitary reasons. If one has the right audience who would appreciate humor, the pants can be referred to as “heat couture.”
Q – Why do you breed your own dogs vs. using shelter dogs?
A – The temperamental traits that cause a guide dog to be suitable (high confidence, high manageability, low distraction, adaptable, friendly) are not always found in dogs at a shelter or rescue organization (especially given the unknown factor of their background and what they might have been exposed to). We also rely greatly on the time and dedication of our volunteer puppy raisers to ensure that our dogs are well-socialized and well-behaved early on in their lives.
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