The Importance of Puppy Socialising
Socialisation
Socialisation is the process by which your puppy is exposed to as many facets of life as possible. During the first 6 to 16 weeks of age a puppy learns a huge amount about their world. It is a unique window of time that will impact the puppy for life.
Puppies that are well socialised are more secure adults, and more adaptable adults. The most important thing a puppy owner can do is expose the puppy to as many things as possible. To be beneficial, these exposures must be positive.
Puppies should be exposed, in a positive or neutral way, to as many things as possible. Negative experiences that occur during the socialisation window can affect a puppy for life. Some recent research suggests that puppies need to be exposed to things several times over the socialisation period.
puppy Preschool
Once your puppy begun their series of vaccinations, they can attend puppy classes. These classes not only help your puppy begin to understand basic commands, but also expose them to other dogs and people.
Skilled trainers run these meetings so that all dogs and people are safe and happy during the process. Check with your vet clinic to see whether they run puppy classes.
puppies and Dog parks
Some dogs may not be ready to visit a dog park. Puppies younger than 4 months old who are not fully vaccinated should not be taken to dog parks.
It is recommended that dogs spending time in dog parks (and around other dogs) are fully vaccinated for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Bordetella and Parainfluenza.
It is beneficial for your dog to understand basic obedience commands such as “come” and “stay” before visiting the dog park.
Helpful Links
https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/is-socialising-my-puppy-important/
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/behaviour/puppy-socialisation-introduction
