Early Socialisation and Training Tips
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting journey filled with love, laughter, and plenty of learning. For a puppy, those early weeks—typically from 8 to 16 weeks—are crucial in shaping their confidence, behaviour, and adaptability for life. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a couple and their 14-week-old German Shepherd puppy. They’d done a fantastic job starting their journey by attending a local obedience club and introducing their puppy to other dogs and people. However, they sought more tailored guidance to navigate those important early weeks.
Here are some insights from our session to help set your puppy up for long-term success.
The Importance of Early Socialisation
From the moment your puppy comes home, your focus should be on exposing them to the environments, people, and experiences they’re likely to encounter throughout their lifetime. Puppies are naturally curious and impressionable during this critical window, making it the perfect time to create positive associations with the world around them.
Think about the big picture—your puppy could live 12–14 years or more, so investing time now ensures they grow up to be calm, confident, and well-adjusted.
What to Expose Your Puppy To
Neutral Encounters with Dogs and People
While it’s tempting to let your puppy meet every dog or person they see, the goal should be neutrality. This means teaching your puppy that not every dog or person is a playmate. For example:
- Dogs: Teach them to stay calm and focus on you rather than pulling to greet other dogs.
- People: Similarly, they should learn to remain composed and not get overly excited when meeting new faces.
- Environmental Distractions
Your puppy will encounter a wide variety of distractions throughout their life, including:- Traffic noises like buses, trams, and trains
- Kids riding bikes or skateboards
- Busy shopping areas or parks
Gradually introduce these distractions, using treats and positive reinforcement to keep your puppy calm and engaged with you.
Weather Experiences
If you’re lucky, you might encounter a thunderstorm during this critical period. Thunder, lightning, and heavy rain can be spooky, so use these moments to gently desensitise your puppy by staying calm and offering comfort and treats.
Different Surfaces
Puppies can sometimes be wary of unfamiliar surfaces, so it’s important to expose them to a variety early on. Consider surfaces like:
- Grass, dirt, and gravel
- Tile, lino, or floorboards inside the home
- Drain covers, tactile paving at pedestrian crossings, or even car park floors
One of my favourite suggestions is visiting a busy car park, such as Bunnings. During the day, they can experience trolleys and moving cars; at night, they’ll face a different atmosphere with lights and quieter activity.
How to Approach Socialisation
- Be Present: Always accompany your puppy during these experiences. Your calm demeanour will reassure them as they navigate new situations.
- Use Treats Strategically: Bring high-value treats to reward calm behaviour and help redirect their focus back to you when necessary.
- Avoid Overstimulation: Hyperarousal can lead to undesirable habits, like lunging or barking. Aim for balanced exposure where your puppy remains curious but controlled.
Setting Up for Success
Remember, socialisation isn’t about overwhelming your puppy but rather about introducing them to the world in manageable, positive doses. Consistency, patience, and proper guidance are key during these early weeks.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to start or how to tailor socialisation to your puppy’s needs, working with a professional can make all the difference. These foundations you lay now will serve your dog—and you—for years to come.
For more tips and one-on-one guidance, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to create a confident, happy companion for life!
