Why Do I Need to Socialise My Dog?

Why Socialisation Matters

Socialisation encourages positive experiences and builds your dog's resilience in response to interactions and changes in the world around them. It also helps raise your dog to be a great companion and sets them up for success.

During the first few weeks after you get your puppy, they will develop vital social skills and resilience to some of life's challenges through being exposed to positive experiences.

Creating Positive Associations

New experiences can be anything from having a neighbour walk past the house to crinkling a water bottle to starting the washing machine. Always reward your puppy with their favourite treat to help create positive associations with each new social situation.

Key Areas of Socialisation

• Handling: Pat your puppy, feel over their body touching their feet, tail, head & ears, with lots of positive reinforcement.
• Noises: Big noises can make even the bravest pup startle. Introduce them to household sounds slowly, positively and safely.
• Surfaces: Let them walk on various surfaces, including grass, the beach, concrete, and wooden floors to build confidence.

Ongoing Socialisation

As your puppy gets older, the importance of good socialisation doesn't stop. Dogs who haven't socialised with others are often fearful of new situations. Your puppy's confidence will grow when each unique experience leads to a positive association.

Well-socialised dogs lead to good canine citizens and happier dogs. Our Pets In The City Socialisation Programme focuses on building your puppy's confidence in the big wide world positively and calmly. Over six sessions, we focus on desensitising and socialising your pup to all types of people, noises, equipment, and general items from everyday life.