Login
product search
cart

Tips for Puppy Socialisation + Handy Checklist!

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, filled with cuddles, playtime, and a lot of love. However, beyond the adorable antics and fluffy cuddles lies a crucial aspect of puppy development that often gets overlooked: socialization! This process is not just about introducing your pup to other dogs; it's about nurturing a well-rounded, confident companion who is ready to take on the world around them.

Why is Puppy Socialization Important?

Puppy socialization provides the building blocks for your furry friend's future behavior and emotional well-being. During the critical developmental period between 3 weeks to 4 months old, puppies are like sponges, soaking up everything around them. Proper socialization during this time helps prevent behavioral problems such as fearfulness, aggression, and anxiety later in life.

Exposing your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, smells, people, and animals in a positive and controlled manner builds their confidence and teaches them how to navigate the world around them. It helps them learn how to communicate with other dogs, understand different human behaviors, and adapt to new environments with ease.

REMINDER - Most puppies are not fully vaccinated during this critical socialisation period and so must not walk or play in an area where unknown and unvaccinated dogs can walk and/or defecate. Parvo Virus is very prevalent in New Zealand and can kill young puppies. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Puppies are exposed to the virus every time they sniff, lick, or ingests infected which could be on a contaminated object, like the pavement, toy, water bowl, collars and leashes, and even the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.  

The Puppy Socialization Checklist

Here's a handy checklist to ensure your puppy gets the most out of their socialization journey in a safe and controlled manner:

1. Introduce Them to New Environments:

2. Meet New People:
Invite friends and family over to meet your puppy. Limit this interaction to small groups at the start so as not to overwhelm your puppy. It is also not recommended to introduce them to lots of people in the first couple of days after bringing them home. Use the first few days to allow them to relax and get used to their new home calmly.


3. Play Dates with Other Puppies:

4. Exposure to Different Sounds:
Start with lower volumes and gradually increase as they become more comfortable. You can use recorded sounds too if the real noises are not available to you.


5. Handling and Grooming:
Get your puppy accustomed to being handled, groomed, and examined.


6. Exposure to Different Surfaces:
Introducing your puppy to various surfaces will increase their confidence and balance as well as allow them to distinguish where they can toilet. Surfaces to introduce where possible include:

    Remember, the key to successful socialization is to keep interactions positive, fun, and rewarding for your puppy. Pay attention to their body language and always prioritize their comfort and safety. Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods to show indicate when they are achieving the desired behavior. Use high quality biscuits from Orijen and Acana that come in handy 340g bags making on-the-go training and rewards even easier. 

    By diligently checking off each item on this socialization checklist, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy, well-adjusted canine companion who is ready to tackle any adventure that comes their way. So, grab that bag of Orijen and Acana biscuits, and let the socialization journey begin!