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Puppy Socialisation

Socialisation plays a vital role in your puppy’s ability to relate in the human world. Your puppy’s exposure to environmental stimuli should be well-planned and incorporate as wide variety of stimuli as possible. A well socialised puppy is far more likely to grow up to be a successful pet.

There is a critical period for optimum puppy socialisation which is 3 to 16 weeks, therefore it is very important that you choose a reputable breeder, as it will be the breeders responsibility so start socialising your puppy.

Always visit the breeder and make sure you get to see both dam and sire, and also make a note of where the whelping box is, the hub of the home - the kitchen is the best place, as the litter will get to smell, hear, see, touch, etc., all the comings and goings of family life.

The best time to bring your new puppy home is around 8 weeks, so you will have 8 more weeks until 16 weeks, for optimum socialisation. Although it is important to take your Puppy to classes, socialisation is much broader than this.

This is why it’s a good idea to put a socialisation schedule together; every day you should be introducing your puppy to new people (including toddlers), experiences, environments, smells, sounds, touch, canines, other animals, and much more besides.

I offer one-2-one puppy socialisation consultations; a detailed schedule will be prepared for you which will enable you to make the most of the remaining critical period up to 16 weeks. I will show you how to make each new experience positive and fun for both you and your puppy.

I would strongly recommend that you then build on this with ongoing socialisation for the rest of your canine companions life.