Socialising your dog

If you want your dog to be happy let him or her socialise as much as possible. Like people, dogs need to socialise to improve their mood so they do not become dangerous to pets or other people. Allowing your dog to socialise will lead to a more fulfilled life as they are able to interact socially with other dogs and use up energy playing, which is also good for their health.

It is important that your dog socialises when they are a puppy, because it may be difficult to socialise your dog if they haven’t had much to do with other dogs through their youth. If your dog socialises enough, they won’t be as scared or angry at new stimuli, such as other dogs or new people. Chances are, a socialised dog will be calmer, happier and more able to deal with any other dogs when you’re out on a walk. If your dog isn’t able to socialise, they may become stressed and start bad behaviour such as biting.

Social skills need to develop when your pup is usually about 12 weeks old and will need to continue as they get older so they can improve their behaviour and learn how to interact with other dogs. Try to make initial socialising experiments pleasant for your pooch – if their first experience is scary or alarming, they may be reluctant to spend any time with other dogs or new people in the future.

When you bring your new puppy into your house you should leave them without too many new stimuli for several weeks to get used to the space and, after this, invite some friends over to your house. This way your dog has a chance to get used to the house as it usually is without new people or pets. When you do invite friends over, make sure you reward your dog by sitting quietly to try to immediately stop any jumping or barking behaviour. Also, take your dog with you to different places so they can learn to stay with you when you’re outside or away from his usual home.

I wish you the best of luck socialising your pup!