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Puppy Socialisation

by | Apr 8, 2020 | Dogs, Puppy Training Guide

ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SHOULD ONLY BE INTRODUCED IF YOUR PUPPY IS IN A POSITIVE EMOTIONAL STATE i.e. relaxed with ears facing forward and natural tail wagging position. Treats should be used to reinforce good behaviour

To help puppies be tolerant to noises, it is a good idea to get a DESENSITISING CD which has a wide variety of everyday sounds such as babies crying, bin lorries, hoovers etc. on it, as well as fireworks and thunderstorms. Dogs Trust offer a CD called SOUND THERAPY which they have compiled with some well-known behaviourists, free of charge. The CD should be introduced from day 1 and can be played several times daily, gradually building the volume, as long as the puppy is not scared of the sounds- if it is, just reduce the volume.

Should you need any advice, please contact us on 01772 746393.

GENTLE HANDLING AT HOME   

These should be done 2x daily and never forced      

  • Head
  • Ears
  • Mouth
  • Eyes
  • Neck
  • Tail
  • Paws/nails
  • Legs
  • Body
  • Gentle restraint
  • 1 minute groom with brush

 

GENTLE HANDLING BY STRANGERS

Gentle restraint, general examination i.e. mouth, paws ears etc. Not forced

 

  • Vets
  • Visitors to your home

LEARNING TO BE ALONE

A few minutes of the following several times daily until pup accepts alone time and then times can be gradually lengthened

 

  • Isolation from all people in daytime and in evening
  • Isolation from other pets in the home

WALKING ON DIFFERENT SURFACES

 

  • Laminate flooring
  • Vinyl flooring
  • Tiled floor
  • Carpet
  • Gravel
  • Stairs
  • Grass
  • Concreate

PEOPLE OBSERVE/HAVE CONTACT WITH

not to be forced and always from a comfortable distance away

 

  • Young children of different ages, babies crying, children playing
  • Teenagers
  • Elderly people
  • People wearing helmet, glasses, different hats
  • Cyclists, joggers and scooters

OBJECTS TO BE SEEN

not to be forced and always from a comfortable distance away

 

  • Buses
  • Lorries
  • Traffic of varying intensities
  • Umbrellas- folded and unfolded
  • Wheelchairs
  • Prams
  • Hoover
  • Brush
  • Duster
  • Mop
  • Lawnmower

Places To Go

  • Pet shops
  • Dog friendly pub/café
  • School- start at a comfortable distance
  • Vets

Animals

  • Other puppies- for short play sessions only if the puppy is comfortable
  • Friendly adult dogs
  • Cats
  • Rabbits/guinea pigs
  • Horses
  • Cows/Sheep