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Socialisation can go along way to preventing anxiety developing in you puppy. Introducing your puppy to new experiences, people, animals and places can help to avoid an anxious response in the future.
So what is puppy socialisation and why is important for a healthy dog?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. Travelling
3. New Faces
4. Dog Walks
6. Separation
7. Grooming
What is Puppy Socialisation ?
Ultimately, a dog that has experienced a varied, rich and positive puppyhood is more likely to grow into a well-adjusted, friendly dog.
Some young puppies who are isolated during early developmental periods may develop a fear of unfamiliar people, environments or other dogs. This can lead to anxiety or aggression but not necessarily.
It’s almost impossible to predict exactly how each puppy will respond to having social contact restricted.
Your role as new puppy parents is to provide them with lots of new experiences when they are at their most receptive.
When should I Socialise my Puppy ?
Puppies grow up so quickly that it’s essential to socialise them when they’re at their most inquisitive and responsive of their surroundings – usually between 4 and 12 weeks old.
Typically, puppies leave their mother at 8 weeks old, so the first 3 weeks after collecting your little fur ball are a crucial period when you can get them familiar with new faces, new situations, and new environments.
How should I Socialise my new Puppy ?
We’ve put together a whole range of ideas to help you raise a healthy well socialised puppy. This is especially useful before they've had their full vaccinations when you may be limited to your house and garden.
Once they're vaccinated, puppy socialisation classes are a great idea as they provide lots of good advice that will help you raise your puppy.
They should be fun for both you and your puppy and it is a good idea to visit one without your puppy to see if you like the tutor's methods.
Our Top Tips for Puppy Socialisation
1. Household Sounds
Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t begin the socialising process with household sounds. The washing machine, vacuum cleaner and especially the doorbell – can shock your puppy.
However, exposing them to these sounds from a young age, means that they’re unlikely to react in a skittish way as an adult.
Allow your puppy to experience every weird and wonderful household sound. Remember you can even practise by ringing the doorbell yourself!
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2. Travelling with your Puppy
Travelling is an integral aspect of your pup’s socialisation because they will need to take excursions throughout their life.
You should aim to expose puppy to traffic noise and the sense of motion of the car by safely acclimatising your puppy to the car itself.
By placing your puppy in the car, you are familiarising them with the smell and feel of the car. Add in some treats to make it a truly positive experience.
You could also begin preparing your puppy for their harness or crate ready for venturing out into new environments.
If you're looking to take your puppy out in the car, why not take a look at our popular article - Best Dog Car Seats.
If you are concerned that your puppy may suffer from travel sickness, checkout our informative article in our Dog Health Section covering signs of dog car sickness and step-by-step guide to desensitisation and counter-conditioning How to Cure Dog Car Sickness.
3. New Faces
When your four-legged friend is young, it’s the perfect time to introduce them to a range of new people. This will instil confidence and friendlessness in adulthood.
After puppy vaccinations this becomes fairly straight forward with trips to the supermarket, shops, parks and local high streets. Before vaccinations there is still a lot you can achieve to prepare your puppy.
You can play dress up at home and use your imagination here to create a whole collection of new characters.
Aim to include as many accessories with your different characters as possible, for example - hats, umbrellas, welly boots, large coats, beards, glasses, scarves and hoods. Use cameras and bags both in your hands and hung around your neck.
Consider altering how you move, maybe ride a bike or scooter, or even use a walking stick.
It’s all about creating different looks, outlines and smells for your pup to experience. Remember, puppies tire quickly, so happily you won’t need to wear your new outfit for long.
4. Dog Walks
If you are able to walk your dog once a day, plan your walk carefully to ensure the best possible experience for your puppy. Take your time to allow them to observe delivery people, joggers, walkers, cyclists and any traffic from a distance.
By exposing puppies to a selection of different surfaces when they are young we can greatly decrease the likelihood they will be afraid of walking on a variety of surfaces later in life.
This exposure to different surfaces is something that can be started young since the sense of touch is well developed, even at birth.
During your daily walk, plan your route to incorporate as many surfaces as possible and make sure to include both man-made and natural surfaces such as soil, mud, dry grass, wet grass, tarmac, grates, concrete, puddles, pavement and sand.
We have a selection of reviews on dog walking essentials - dog walking bags, treat bags, poo bags, poo bag holders.
6. Outdoor Noises
How to expose your puppy to a wide range of noises before they're vaccinated ?
If you use a music app such as Spotify, you can access sound effect playlists to play to your puppy. Start quietly, slowly increasing the volume over the days and weeks.
Digiffects Sound Effect Library is an impressive resource available on Spotify.
They have a wonderful range of sound effects including dogs barking, cats meowing, airplanes, children playing and our personal favourite, a forest with birds and a creek (so relaxing we nearly fell asleep!)
You can incorporate these sound effects into your own playlists to acclimatise your puppy to a whole collection of sounds without leaving your home.
7. Separation
Dogs are very social animals – they don’t like to be alone and need plenty of human companionship. They love having all the family at home but what happens in the long term when suddenly life returns to normal and your puppy will be left alone for periods of time.
It’s important to work on separation every day to try and avoid puppy separation anxiety further down the line. You don’t need to leave the house to build these skills, just leave the room your puppy is in.
Build up their time alone gradually, starting with just 2 minutes and build up to 45 minutes. Try to practise this at least twice a day, so your puppy will be ready for some separation.
8. Grooming
The most important thing to remember is that you want your puppy to enjoy the grooming process. Start very slowly and be sure to give your puppy plenty of treats during and after each task.
For more tips on grooming your puppy, take a look at our popular article - How to Groom your dog at Home
Puppy socialisation is absolutely key to avoid an anxious dog in the future. Have lots of fun with your new fur-ball and remember to take lots of gorgeous photos.
Why you should trust us
Having our resident cockapoo, Freddie for 5 years alongside a foster dog for a rehoming dog charity, we know a thing or two about socialising puppies and rescue dogs.
From puppies who are open and keen for new experiences, sounds, sights and smells, to dogs that are super anxious and haven't been provided with opportunities to experience everyday the wonderful world we live in, we have experience of socialising both ends of the spectrum.
Remember, it's not a race, just consider everyday an opportunity for your dog or puppy to experience something new however small.
If they react badly and are anxious, take time to consider how you can introduce the experience again maybe in a different way that they may consider less threatening.
Download or print a handy Puppy Socialisation Checklist from the PDSA
Thanks for dropping by and reading our article on Puppy Socialisation.