The importance of socialising your puppy

Have you got a new four-legged addition to your family?  If the answer is yes, then it’s important that your puppy grows up to be as friendly and happy with people and animals as possible.

All animals, including dogs, have a sensitive period at the start of their lives when they’re learning about their surroundings.  Anything that is encountered before a puppy is 16 weeks old will be tolerated and perhaps even enjoyed.  After this time, unfamiliar people, objects and experiences are approached with caution.

Puppy socialisation involves meeting and exploring new environments as much as possible.  The most effective way of doing this is by allowing your puppy to have several new experiences a day, making sure they get plenty of rest in between.  As your puppy gets older, they will be able to cope with longer encounters and it is important to ensure that these are enjoyable.

Socialisation can include:

Humans – adults and children

The more happy encounters your pet has with adults and children of different ages, the more tolerant he will become.

Other dogs and puppies

Allow your puppy to mix with sociable dogs and puppies and interrupt any behaviour you do not want your puppy to show to other dogs as an adult. It’s also advisable to take him to a puppy party or puppy class, where he can learn to mix with others. 

Different experiences and environments

Take your puppy on trips to enable him to experience car travel, traffic, crowds, town and the countryside.