Socialising Your Puppy

Meeting people

Help your puppy become comfortable around lots of different people.

That includes people wearing different clothing, glasses, hats and other things your puppy may not have experienced before.

But don't force your puppy to confront something they're unsure about and don't insist that they interact with somebody.

Give them time.

Let your puppy investigate new people and experiences slowly and in their own time.

What if your puppy is worried?

Your puppy will inevitably come across things they're unsure of.

Support them firmly but kindly.

If your puppy shows signs of being nervous or scared, avoid the “there, there” pampering approach. Be kind, firm and reassuring.

Have a calm, no-nonsense:

“Everything's okay.”

attitude.

Avoid automatically picking your puppy up. This removes their option to move away and can make them more frightened.

Instead, be the person your puppy can look to for support and guidance while they learn that this new experience is something they can cope with.

Socialisation should be under your control

Meeting people and dogs should be under your control.

Don't let your puppy meet every person or every dog you see when you're out.

Think about what that teaches them.

You don't want your puppy growing up believing they can run across the park to say hello to every person or every dog they see.

Sometimes they'll meet somebody.

Sometimes they'll meet another dog.

And sometimes they'll simply carry on with you.

You're teaching your puppy that seeing someone doesn't automatically mean they get to interact with them.

Socialisation is about life experience

Give your puppy as much life experience as you reasonably can during those early days.

Think beyond people and dogs.

Everyday things that seem completely ordinary to you may be brand new to your puppy.

A vacuum cleaner is a perfect example.

Rather than waiting until something frightens your puppy, think about the everyday sights, sounds and experiences they're going to encounter and introduce them positively.

Watch a video here for socialising pup to a vacuum cleaner.

Socialisation doesn't stop

Socialisation continues throughout your dog's life.

It isn't a job you finish once your puppy reaches a certain age.

There will always be new things your dog comes across — new places, new experiences and things they've never seen before.

Your job is to help them learn how to deal with those experiences.

Remember

Be in control of socialisation.

Give your puppy plenty of positive life experiences, but don't overwhelm them or force them to interact.

Help your puppy grow into a confident, happy dog who looks to you for support and guidance when it's needed.