Early Socialising

Socializing begins with the first moment you select your puppy. It is important for the development of your dog to meet as many other dogs and as many people as possible. When done effectively most of the behaviour problems that may occur later will be avoided.

The people must not be overwhelmed but, within reason, the more people that your pet will meet, the better. The visitors should be asked to hold the puppy, handling and cuddling gently, so that your puppy learns that people are friends.

Apart from other dogs in the household, to which the puppy should be introduced as early as possible, meeting dogs must be delayed until the new puppy has had his two sets of vaccinations and has been given the all clear from your veterinarian at about twelve weeks of age.

One of the most useful, as well as entertaining, developments in puppy socializing in recent years has been puppy training schools. Puppies that are taken to puppy school range from twelve weeks of age up to six or seven months. Once or twice a week a group of puppy owners meet for an hour or so where the puppy school sessions are run by experienced trainers. These puppy groups introduce all shapes and sizes of dogs to each other and help to overcome alarm at strange animals.

Basic training commands are learnt to overcome behaviour habits and socialisation problems. Minimum restraint is placed on the dogs by the owner as the dog undertakes particular learning tasks. Using positive training methods, puppy school can be rather effective in teaching your dog obedience with basic commands such as come, sit and stay and can even cover toilet training, and how to deal with issues such as digging, chewing and constant barking.

Remember it is never too early to start to learn! Find out more about early socialising for your puppy by speaking with you local veterinarian.