Dog Warden Service
The Sociable Dog
Socialisation is one of the most important parts of raising a
well-behaved and happy dog. Socialisation means providing
your dog with positive experiences in situations where he might
meet people or other animals. He must also learn how to
behave acceptably in these situations. The best and most
effective time to socialise a dog is when he is a puppy between the
ages of 3 and 14 weeks. Lack of socialisation is one of the
biggest causes of fear and aggression in adult dogs.
Many people are worried about socialising their puppy before he
has completed his full course of vaccinations. Unfortunately,
in many cases, that may be too late. There are many good
puppy classes, which only allow healthy puppies that have received
their first vaccination. In some instances vaccination can
start as early as 6 weeks of age, although more commonly it is
given at 8 or 9 weeks. In addition to this, you can carry
your puppy around with you during the day. You can use a baby
sling or satchel to avoid any areas which may be visited by
unhealthy dogs. Your puppy should not be at risk.
Older puppies and adult dogs need socialisation too. It is
important never to stop socialising your dog so that he will always
be happy to meet new people. If you have taken on an older,
unsocialised dog or puppy do not despair. It is possible to
socialise some older dogs; it just takes much more time and
patience.
The information you are about to read will give you guidance on
the best way to socialise your puppy or dog and help you to ensure
that you have done everything possible to have a happy and safe dog
who will be a pleasure to take with you wherever you go.
When should socialisation begin?
Socialisation should begin while your puppy is with the breeder
or rescue centre. Make sure to ask what sort of socialisation
your puppy has received. Kennelled puppies require a great
deal more effort than puppies reared in a busy household as they
have not had the chance to learn about normal human
activities. If you do take on a puppy over 12 weeks who has
not been socialised, you will need to work very hard on making up
for this to ensure the dog does not develop behaviour problems
later in life. It would be useful for owners to get
professional advice from a trainer or behaviourist when taking on
an unsocialised older puppy or adult dog.
What should I do to socialise my puppy?
From the day you get your puppy, you should expose him to as
many different situations as possible. This can be as simple
as carrying him with you to the local pub to meet a variety of
adults to sitting outside the local primary school to get him used
to the sound of playing children. There is more advice in the
socialisation checklist further on.
Puppies also need the guidance of sensible older dogs to help
them learn doggy manners. This is very important if they are
going to be able to get along with other dogs, he could soon learn
to be a fighter.
Dogs can be very specific about what they find
frightening. For example, many dogs are fearful of people who
wear a hat. This is because they probably had no positive
experiences with hat-wearing people when they were young or they
had a bad experience. One bad experience can stay with a dog
for life.
How should I teach my puppy to behave when meeting new people
and dogs?
Although it is delightful to see puppies playing with children
or other dogs, you need to carefully consider what will be safe and
acceptable when the puppy has become an adult dog. Puppies
should learn manners and control when in new situations. You
will never be welcome anywhere with an over excitable, boisterous
adult dog.
Teach your dog to be gentle, calm and obedient even in the most
exciting of circumstances. Be very aware that you can be
prosecuted if your puppy or dog injures someone. This can be
just by knocking them over or scratching them in play.
Try to avoid situations in which your puppy could be frightened,
protect him so that he sees you as a source of safety, but do not
pet him, reassure him or pick him up. The last thing you want
is a puppy that thinks that he can get attention by acting
fearfully.
Where can I safely socialise my puppy?
There are many excellent puppy classes, which will provide a
safe and educational environment for your puppy. Visit the
classes first to check that they provide the sort of service that
you need.
During the early days, before your puppy is fully vaccinated,
you should avoid allowing your puppy to have access to unvaccinated
dogs or areas in which they may be exercised. You can still
take your puppy to the park.
Socialisation checklist
The following checklist is designed to give you some idea of the
sort of things your puppy needs to experience safely. You
will want to add things, which are specific to your own
lifestyle. You may feel that certain things are not relevant,
but if you ever move or take your dog on holiday, or if you ever
need to leave him with someone else, you must be prepared for all
eventualities. Interestingly, dogs from the city often get
into trouble for chasing sheep in the country when their owners go
on holiday. This can be avoided if they are properly
socialised with livestock.
Your puppy should meet as wide a variety of people as
possible. Never allow your puppy to jump up or nip at their
hands and always ask people to behave in a non-threatening way.
- People of all ages from infants to elderly people
- People of all races
- People of all physical abilities
- People with beards/glasses/hats
- People running/jogging/skateboarding/cycling etc
- People of different sizes
- People wearing different styles of clothing
- People with umbrellas
- People in uniform
It is important that your dog does not become a threat to other
people's pets or livestock. Dogs can learn to live happily
with other animals but only if they have been taught how to
behave.
- Dogs of all sizes
- Dogs of all ages
- Dogs of all appearances from Bulldogs to Great Danes
- Cats and rabbits
- Sheep, horses (with riders and without) and cattle
There are many things in your day to day environment, which
could surprise, frighten or over-excite your puppy. For
example, many adult dogs attack the vacuum cleaner and hate the
postman. By teaching your puppy that these things are safe
and positive, you will have fewer problems.
- Normal household appliances
- Traffic
- The postman/paperboy/dustbin men etc
- Travelling in cars, buses and trains
- The veterinary surgery
- Loud noises
