Now your pup is home, he’ll need to know how to relate to his new family. How sociable a dog will be is determined by the early experiences they have as a puppy, especially those before the age of 12 weeks. By the time a puppy reaches 16 weeks, anything new risks being approached with caution and trepidation because a puppy’s window of ‘openness’ to new places, people and events starts to close. Socialisation starts with your puppy's breeder and will continue with you, until they are around two years old.
Your puppy also needs to know how to relate and interact with other animals they come across in their new life with you. Socialising with other puppy-friendly, healthy (and fully vaccinated) dogs, cats and/or other animals at an early age will help to ensure they are able to relate well to others later in life.
At the same time as socialisation is taking place, your puppy also has to get used to the surroundings in their new home; something you already take for granted. Everything your pup learns while they are young will have a lasting impact on them, and this includes bad experiences as well as good.
Some may think socialising a dog means indiscriminately taking them to new locations; allowing them to greet every dog they come across or having strangers walk up and start to stroke them. Correct socialisation is actually a controlled introduction of various situations and things so that the puppy develops a positive feeling about them. It’s about exposing your puppy gradually and positively to different types of people, places, environments, surfaces, noises and sensations, as well as other dogs and other animals.
Never force or pressurise your puppy into approaching something (or someone) if they look worried. Be patient and give them the time and space in which to become accustomed to the situation (or person) and reward them each time until they feel confident enough to get closer. If your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated, pick them up and carry them so that they can experience life from the safety of your arms. The more they can see, smell and experience now, the better. For example, if you live on a bus route, your puppy will need to get to know the noises and smells associated with this regular occurrence, so that when your puppy is out walking the noises and smells will seem normal.
Your local Leading the Way franchisee can offer extra support to help you socialise your puppy during the early stages of their life. Puppy home visits are a great help to many owners while they are out at work and can't be at home to offer toilet breaks, midday meals (young puppies should be fed 3-4 times per day) and playtime. Once ready for the great outdoors, your Leading the Way franchisee can help out with short daytime walks to continue with your puppy's training and socialisation, and, once old enough, to join our group walks for fun-packed exercise with other like-minded dogs!
Remember, socialisation is about setting your puppy up for success by introducing them to each new situation in a positive way so that their confidence grows, and their trust develops. At Leading the Way, we are specially trained to assist with this.
- Article written by Pet Behaviourist and trainer Debra Adderley
Here at Leading the Way, we offer a range of services including home visits. Most new puppy owners have to return to work (or other commitments) sooner or later, so one of the many services we offer is designed to help you and your puppy settle into your new routine together. We can give you evidence-based advice, offer your puppy a toilet break or some extra training, or simply provide them with some company, together with the chance to learn some life skills. Once old enough, your puppy can join our walking service which can also help them to develop their life skills in the outside world.
If you would like more information on any of the services that Leading the Way Pet Care provides, please contact us via please contact us via email or phone us on 0800 027 9846.