The more different experiences, people and places your puppy sees, the better! Puppy socialisation, as it’s called, means getting your puppy used to the great wide world, and teaching him his place in it so that he knows how to behave and doesn’t get frightened or even worse, aggressive, in certain situations.
His mum should already have taught him the basics – and after his vaccinations you can carry on the good work. Puppy classes are great for socialisation – ask at your vets for details, or check out local dog training groups. To accustom your puppy to new noises, your vet can advise you on special CDs with which puppies can be exposed to many of the sounds he may later face.
Puppy Social Activities
Places to go
- Veterinary practice
- Kennels/groomers
- Other people’s houses
- Pubs/parties
- Schools/recreation area
- Roadside
- Public transport
- Parks/rural areas
- Towns and cities
- Lifts and stairs
- Markets
People and animals to meet
- Men
- Women
- Children/babies
- Elderly people
- Confident/loud people
- Shy/quiet people
- Delivery people (e.g. postman)
- People with glasses
- People with beards
- Wheelchairs/bikes/prams
- Veterinary staff/uniforms
- Other dogs
- Cats
- Domestic pets/livestock
Things to encounter
- Vacuum cleaners
- Washing machines
- Tumble driers
- Hair driers
- Vehicles
- Children’s toys
Activities to accept
- Walking on a lead
- Grooming/bathing
- Medical examination
- Being alone