Puppy Socialisation

As a dog trainer and behaviourist I regularly encounter fear-based behaviour problems in adult dogs that could have so easily been prevented if correct socialisation towards people and animals, along with exposure to the sights, sounds and smells of the ‘real world’, had been done as a puppy. This has been proven to be particularly important whilst the puppy is between 3 – 14 weeks old; with further concerted efforts still required until the puppy has at least matured.
 
The opportunity to create a happy and confident canine companion begins with the breeder. The responsible breeder will aim to breed healthy puppies with a sound genetic temperament and raise them inside their own home. This allows your future puppy to receive lots of positive exposure to the vast number of things that he or she may encounter whilst living at home with you, such as the hoover or visiting guests. However, their responsibility does not stop there, as they also have to very carefully expose your puppy to the big wide world outside too!
 
In the same way as the breeder, when you finally bring your puppy home, it is important to follow the guidance of your veterinarian who will inform you of the potential physical health risks to your puppy when exposing them to the world during the vaccination period. However, by carrying your puppy in your arms when out and about, this risk is lessened and allows for vast amounts of positive social experiences to be provided at a time when the puppy is most impressionable.
 
A further important part of your puppy’s development is to attend a well run, positive, reward-based puppy class where your puppy can continue to learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs and people, and be taught how to act in a confident and sociable manner.
 
Without these early positive experiences your puppy may be more likely to act fearfully in any new situations, increasing the chance of serious behavioural problems ©.