This is something I discuss a lot. I was talking about this during my lecture on my canine behaviour course at Bridgwater College on Monday, and I talk about this during my puppy classes. The answer is: it depends on each dog. I realise this isn’t that helpful, but I will do my best to explain and guide you through all the different things to consider.
Most people that get a puppy understand the importance of socialising their puppy. They know it’s important to get them around other dogs and people to build their confidence and skills of how to communicate. The first hurdle is puppy vaccinations, as you don’t want to mix them until they are fully vaccinated. This doesn’t stop you exposing your pup to new environments and some suitable dogs. Do you know anyone with a suitable adult dog that could come round the play in the garden? I say suitable because I want this to be a positive experience! If you don’t know any suitable dogs, that’s ok. Drive somewhere that your pup can sit in the car and watch the world go by or carry them around (depending on size of pup) and let them see other dogs and people. They don’t have to interact to gain positive experiences and learning. They do brilliant carriers and push chairs for dogs now that you could use if they are too heavy to carry. It’s so important that you don’t keep your pup at home, not exposing them to the world until their vaccinations are complete. This is especially important if you have a sensitive breed. Herding or guarding breeds I think need more careful raising to make sure they become confident. However, breed doesn’t tell you everything, each dog is different, and you need to be adjusting your plan as you progress depending on how your pup reacts. If your puppy is super confident, wanting to say hello to every dog and person they meet, then you actually need to switch your plan to managing them so that they don’t learn to expect that everyone will say hello. You don’t want them to become frustrated that their expectations aren’t being met when they become bigger and it’s likely their greetings are less welcome. Don’t allow your dog to learn to be a splatter! You know the one; the dog rushes up and demands to play with any dog they meet or jump all over people. This is usually down to puppies being allowed to play and interact with every dog and person they meet. This doesn’t mean you stop allowing interactions, but you need to switch to older dogs, ones that can show them to be neutral around each other and not just play play play. You also show them how to ignore other dogs and people, by engaging them with you and that playing with you is so much better. If your puppy is more cautious or worried, then you don’t want them mixing with other dogs that will overwhelm them. Usually, other puppies aren’t the best play mates as they don’t have any manners yet. Finding suitable dogs that they can interact with, without the worry of it becoming scary will show them that dogs are ok. As their confidence grows you can then build up to different personalities of dogs. You need to have find suitable set ups so that your puppy can interact with appropriate dogs. A mix of puppies to play with and adults that show them through social learning how to be around each other. The final note to say is that if you have a dog at home – this dog doesn’t count towards their socialisation. It’s so important that dogs learn these skills alone, without the backup of ‘big brother/sister’. If you live somewhere with little opportunity to meet others, then get in the car and find places to go where there will be opportunities for social encounters. Finding the balance between positive experiences and learning opportunities without teaching your dog to become a ‘over social’ splatter is a real balance. This is why joining a well-run puppy class will help to guide you and give you some well managed socialisation opportunities. The trainer will also be able to give advice on what your puppy needs, to match their personality and stage they are at. Raising a puppy is hard work, and getting socialisation right can be tricky, so please do reach out if you need support. Jo x (Photo is of my Bramley and puppy Heidi having a meet up in my field to help her build confidence around dogs.)
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