If you are about to bring your new puppy home for the first time, don’t forget the importance of ‘puppy socialisation’ from an early age.
Puppies grow very quickly, so it’s very important to socialise young dogs when they are most receptive to new experiences. Puppy socialisation usually takes place in their first few months, because this is when they become aware of their surroundings and start to become inquisitive.
Most pups leave their mother between 8-10 weeks of age, so the first three to four weeks of owning your puppy (from eight to 12 weeks of age) is the best time to get your puppies used to new sounds, new faces and new situations, with lots of activities inside and outside your home. Without such socialisation, your puppy could grow up into a nervous adult dog.
1. Safety first
Invest in a correctly sized collar and lead so that you can walk your puppy on a lead in the house and garden before tackling the outside world. Some puppies (particularly brachycephalic breeds such as pugs) may be more comfortable in a snug-fitting chest harness. But whatever you choose, don’t forget to check the fit regularly as your puppy grows.
2. Visit your vet
Not only will it confirm that your pup is physically healthy, an early trip to the vet is an essential socialisation experience. Your dog will visit the vet many times in its life, so they will need to view it as a safe place rather then being fearful.
3. Consistent commands
Being consistent with your commands and creating clear behaviour boundaries are a must in the first few months of your puppy’s life. Good habits taught now will stay for life, so make sure everyone in the house follows the same rules.
4. Careful handling
It’s a good idea to encourage gentle handling by different members of the family so that your pup learns to trust different people.
5. Travel tips
Travelling is a really important part of puppy socialisation. Once your pup’s vaccinations are complete (usually by around 10-12 weeks of age), take short trips by train, bus and car together – don’t forget to use a safety harness or a puppy crate when travelling by car. Your pup also needs to get used to traffic noise with short walks, on the lead, in an urban environment.
6. Household sounds
Sudden noises can be alarming, but if your puppy gets used to them now, they will be much less likely to react to unusual noises when they become an adult dog. Let your puppy hear every day sounds such as the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, door closing, telephones, radio and doorbell.
7. New faces
Now is the time to introduce your pup to friends and family members, at home and elsewhere. Try to make sure your puppy gets to safely meet adults of both genders, as well as babies and children of varying age.
8. Other pets
If your puppy becomes used to the sight, sound and smell of cats, rabbits and small furry pets in their cage, they will be much less likely to see them as a threat or something to chase. It’s always a good idea to use a closed down initially, so that they can become familiar with the smells before they meet other pets. Make sure any introductions are carefully managed, though, with your pup on a lead and a second adult to supervise the other pet.
9. Adult dogs
Once your pup’s vaccinations are complete, they can begin to meet adult dogs. Keep your pup on a lead at this stage, and arrange to meet up with other dog-walkers whose dogs can be trusted to treat your pup with care. It’s also worth considering socialising your puppy around this time with perhaps the odd day in Doggy Day Care.
10. Puppy training
Finally, it’s never too soon to begin puppy-training classes. Not only will your pup meet other dogs in a safe environment, your puppy needs to learn some basic training commands for his own safety. These include responding to his name, coming back when called, and sitting down and staying on command.
Experiences during the first year of a dog’s life make all the difference to future temperament and character.
Taking the time to socialise your puppy can result in a friendly adult dog that enjoys the company of people and that can be taken anywhere, living life to the full.
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