How to Socialise Your PuppyđŸ
Did you know a dogs crucial stage of learning through socialisation is between 4 and 16 weeks old?!
So, thatâs right at the time when youâve just bought them home and canât really go exploring as theyâve not yet received their second vaccinationâŠ. Itâs also why itâs sooo important who you buy your puppies from - the experience a puppy has when theyâre with their breeder plays an important part in how theyâll feel when theyâre introduced to their new home.
How can you help your pup learn their socialisation skills!?
They canât go off exploring on walks before their 2nd vaccinations, but they can still do all of thisâŠ
Be carried while you go out and about on a walk, viewing the road / traffic from a safe distance that doesnât overwhelm them
Join you at a tranquil café or restaurant observing the world go by while you eat or have a drink
Have visitors to the home who give them some amazing treats and donât force interactions (picking them up when they may not feel comfortable is a good example of this!)
Listen to different sounds on the âPupstandingâ app to help acclimatise them slowly to all sorts of every day sounds - dogs barking, building work (drilling etc), door knocking, the sound of bags moving, doorbells, hairdryers, smoke alarms, fireworks and bird scarers to name a few!
All of this will hugely impact their perception of the world and everything in it when they do start venturing out on walks with you.
If youâve found your puppy stops on walks when they have been allowed out and about, it may be that theyâre feeling a bit overwhelmed with this huge new world thatâs opened up to them, so itâs just a matter of being patient and giving them some time and work to grow their confidenceâŠ
If youâve read the above points and thought, crikey I didnât do any of this and theyâre now beyond 16 weeks old - youâre not alone and itâs not too late to start learning how to help grow your dogâs confidence.
You donât know what you donât know! But ifâŠ
Your dog is a little unsure when meeting new dogs and people or are a little worried in new environments
You arenât sure where to start with puppy training
You want to expose your dog to positive interactions in a well controlled setting
Why not join one of our 5-week Learner Pups courses at Darley Abbey Village Hall? We have a whole week dedicated to socialisation!
If youâd like to chat with us about how we can help you, call 07476 903840 or email info@lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk đ¶
