TIPS ON SOCIALISING YOUR PUPPY
As a new puppy owner, you may have heard the importance of "socialisation," but what does it really mean? Many people think it’s just about introducing your puppy to other dogs, but it’s much more than that. Socialising helps your puppy adapt to the world around them, giving them the tools to grow into a confident adult.
The goal of socialisation is to help your puppy become comfortable with a variety of people, animals, and experiences they’ll encounter throughout their life. This might include things like car rides, grooming, household noises, or interacting with other pets. Socialisation isn’t about pushing your puppy into social interactions—rather, it’s about helping them build their confidence and feel comfortable as they navigate their environments into adulthood.
By investing time in socialising your puppy, you’re reducing the chances of fear, anxiety, and even aggression as they grow. Puppies that aren’t properly socialised may struggle with new experiences later in life, which can lead to avoidance behaviours or aggression. Starting early sets the foundation for your puppy to grow into a happy, well-adjusted adult—and lets you enjoy your time together even more!
WHEN TO START
The ideal time to begin socialising puppies is between 3 to 14 weeks of age. It is during this period that puppies are most receptive to new experiences, meaning that all experiences, both positive and negative, will potentially have a lasting effect. With this in mind, it is very important that socialisation which occurs during this time is performed in a careful, positive manner, free from any negative consequences. While of greatest benefit to begin socialisation during this timeframe, older puppies can still benefit from these positive experiences.
HOW TO SOCIALISE
The main goal of socialisation is to help your pet feel at ease in their environment. During this time, focus less on training commands, as this can be distracting. The aim of socialisation is to instead focus wholly on facilitating the safe exposure to new experiences.
PHYSICAL TOUCH
Engaging in gentle physical interactions with your pet each day will help familiarise them with being touched. This not only fosters a bond between yourself and your new puppy, but also prepares them for physical touch from strangers, veterinary visits and grooming. If your puppy is apprehensive about being touched, it is important not to force affection, as this can have a deleterious outcome. The use of treats may help facilitate gentle touch.
Once your puppy is comfortable with physical touch, it is important to extend this gentle, physical interaction with a range of people, not just immediate family members, as well as children if feasible.
INTRODUCE NEW EXPERIENCES
Gradually introduce your pet to situations they will encounter as adults, such as car rides, visits to the vet, and meeting new people and animals. Positive experiences with a range of sights, sounds, and smells all contribute to their development.
It is important not to overwhelm your puppy when introducing them to new, unfamiliar settings. If your puppy appears distressed, it’s important to deescalate the situation so that your puppy feels comfortable again. This may include withdrawing your puppy from the immediate setting and instead observing from a distance. It may also involve distracting them with treats to facilitate a positive experience. Never react by punishing your pet if they react fearfully; this early period in their lives is a critical time for their development, and negative experiences can lead to lasting fear of stimuli through adulthood.
VACCINATION STATUS
Until your puppy has received their full primary course of core vaccines, it is advised to avoid meeting unfamiliar dogs with unknown vaccination status, or visiting high-frequency areas like dog parks. Doing so prior to being fully vaccinated carries the risk of contracting contagious, preventable diseases with serious health outcomes.
While they are completing their primary vaccination course, it’s a great idea to invite healthy, friendly, fully vaccinated dogs to your house for a playdate with your puppy. Attending puppy preschool is also a good way to become familiar with other puppies, so long as these classes are comprised of healthy puppies of a similar age and vaccine status.
Socialising your puppy may require patience, though can ultimately be a highly rewarding experience. If you have any concerns about your puppy as you begin to socialise them, please contact your local veterinarian for tailored advice.
