How to Correctly Socialise Your Puppy
How to Correctly Socialise Your Puppy
When you get a puppy, everyone emphasises the importance of socialisation, but what does that really mean?
Many people assume socialisation is simply about letting their dog meet every other dog they come across. While meeting other dogs is a part of it, true socialisation goes far beyond that. The goal in socialising your dog is to create a calm and confident dog in whatever situation the world may throw at them! In this blog, we’ll explore the many ways to properly socialise your pup, helping you raise a confident, well-balanced dog.
Early Socialisation Period
Puppies go through critical developmental "windows" where they are especially receptive to new experiences. The ideal early socialisation period is around 8 to 14 weeks old, a time when they absorb everything around them like little sponges. This is the best opportunity to gently introduce them to the world in a safe and positive way.
Since your puppy won’t have had their full set of vaccinations yet, it’s important to take precautions. We recommend carrying them in public spaces and avoiding direct contact with unfamiliar dogs or people. If you have any concerns, always consult your vet first.
Sights, Sounds & Experiences
Everything is new to a puppy; cars, bicycles, fireworks, escalators, thunder, other animals, just to name a few! The goal is to expose them to as many different sights, sounds, and experiences as possible in a calm, controlled way. This could mean sitting outside a coffee shop and watching the world go by, playing in the rain, or even taking a short uneventful train journey. Since they’re encountering these things for the first time, we want to ensure these experiences are positive and not overwhelming. Take lots of treats to reward them too!
Meeting People & Dogs
Meeting people and other dogs is, of course, an essential part of their development. Well-mannered dogs can be excellent teachers, helping to teach puppies boundaries and social cues in a way that humans simply can’t. However, not all interactions are beneficial, overly excitable or pushy dogs, even with good intentions, can overwhelm a puppy and create fear. The best dogs for socialisation are calm and respectful, approaching slowly and giving your puppy the chance to observe and sniff before interacting.
A properly socialised puppy sets the foundations for them to grow into a confident, balanced dog, and those early experiences make all the difference!