Connect with Puppy Socialisation Specialists in Hampshire
Puppy socialisation is a key part of any dog’s development. It dictates their behaviour and relationships with you later on, so it must not be overlooked.
It also impacts how a dog reacts to other animals and how confident they are in daily interactions. A poorly socialised dog is often fearful, aggressive and lacks confidence, which nobody wants.
The Socialisation Window is Relatively Short.
The best time to socialise a puppy is when they’re aged between 3-14 weeks of age. However, their experiences up to the age of 16 weeks also make a big difference.
During this time, puppies are most likely to form positive associations, and less likely to be cautious about trying new experiences. That’s why early socialisation can have such a big impact on their temperament.
Our puppy socialisation classes in Surrey and Hampshire are a great place to start. We ensure your puppy is exposed to a wide range of situations, including meeting other dogs and owners. This way, your dog is less likely to be fearful later on.
Our classes in Hampshire and Surrey include plenty of play. Dogs learn communication skills during playtime, often during mock fights. It’s then they learn not to bite and how to interpret other dog’s body language.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Canine Kids uses treats, praise, and toys to help puppies develop positive associations with unfamiliar situations. For example, rewarding them for calm behaviour in a noisy area or around unfamiliar animals builds their confidence.
What About Older Dogs?
While the critical window closes around 16 weeks, adult dogs can still learn social skills when we gradually expose them to new situations. The process may require more patience and effort, but it can still be done.