We’ve prepared 5 tips on how to socialise your puppy and make the process easy and enjoyable for you and your four-legged friends.
1. Dogs must have fun
They need to feel comfortable, otherwise the experience could have the opposite effect of creating a fearful response towards foreign people and settings. So keep an eye on the puppies to take note of their reactions, and allow them to retreat to take a break if needed.
2. The earlier, the better
Puppies are in the peak of their socialisation period between 3 and 12 weeks of age, so try to have them experience as much as possible at a young age. Try to expose them to situations that they will likely experience in their adult life.
3. The more, the merrier
Puppies might feel at ease around kids or other dogs in places that are familiar to them, but not so in new places. To make them more adaptable to novel situations, they need to be constantly exposed to different settings. This way, they will generalise the experience and increasingly gain more confidence. A checklist of different activities and situations might be useful for you to make sure your puppy is not missing out on having a variety of life experiences.
4. Use treats
To make every interaction a happy one, give your puppies treats. This will allow them to retain positive and happy impressions after the socialisation period is completed
5. Book Mad Paws Dog Walking or Doggy Daycare
Constant socialisation and play time with other dogs will help them to know the ropes and learn from more senior puppers. With a Mad Paws Dog Walker or at Doggy Day Care, they’ll be in great hands, enjoying their time with other hounds and making new friends in a safe and comfortable environment.
