As mans best friend, we want our darling dog to be well behaved in the mixed social situations he finds himself. This education needs to begin while the bitch is young. We want the dog not to be startled or belligerent towards people or other pets. Pooch socialisation is a crucial part of dog training.
Research at Veterinary Medicine College at Cornell showed that the first twelve are critical, and the easiest for socialisation. For many puppies this time is dealt with by the dog breeder. After that initial three months it is still key, but takes more energy and effort. This is also the experience of professional London dog sitters who are frequently asked for pointers.
Puppies are just like us, if the original experience is hurtful, we will steer clear of it or be anxious at similar occasions, so take things slowly and small. Do not compel the puppy. If in doubt, stop and do it again later. Remember young puppies tire easily and need to rest often, so short and often is a rule to follow.
So what practical things should we do?
• Invite friends and family, small, grand, different looking, different sexes. Be careful and vigilant with experiences with other children.
• Start him on a collar and then a leash. For short periods just leave the collar on him, later attach the leash and let him wander around the house, then you can walk him around a bit with it on. Carefully choose a lightweight buckle collar with a puppy.
• Visit your acquaintances and families in their homes.
• Try and introduce other puppies, particularly other sociable, vigorous and vaccinated dogs. Be prudent until the puppy is fully vaccinated, meeting dogs that you do not know.
• If you know family with bitch friendly cats, organise a visit?
• Meet other animals, do you have a friendly farm near you? Difficult in cities, but look for opportunities.
• Life in a car is part of life. So take puppy out for as many practical short drives in the car. Stop and let pooch observe the world pass by, in the safety of the car. This helps with him getting used to noisy. Initiate him to other shrill noises such as drills.
• Lug or walk him to spots where there is local bustle such as shops and parks. Find a pub or seat where you can sit outside with your pooch and watch the world go by. Loads of people will introduce themselves to him.
• Introduce your pooch to activities in the home, within the constraints of safety, vacuuming, cooking and gardening.
• Puppy grooming, a great time for you and him, develop the routine of brushing, bathing and inspection.
• Introduce the puppy to stairs carefully, if you are a typical city flat owner, this may be more difficult.
Dog socialisation, do not procrastinate and do something today and have a superb sociable dog.
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