Puppy Socialisation
Socialisation
1: the activity of mixing socially with others
2: the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable in society
For new dog owners the words ‘puppy socialisation’ must feel like they constantly ring in their ears. Its widely accepted that puppies are more open and curious to learn about new things up to around 14/15 weeks old. And that after that, introductions to new things and new situations are more likely to be met with apprehension. But that doesn’t mean the door just gets slammed shut and we should view puppy socialisation as a race against time!
In fact, forced interactions, pushing puppies to investigate objects/situations/people/other animals they are unsure of, can be counterproductive. There are so many different elements to puppy socialisation, but today I’m going to talk about socialisation in relation to other dogs. I’ll provide some practical steps to follow and hopefully explain why everyone entrusted to care for pup should be using this vital time carefully – including your professional dogwalker.
Its OK he’s friendly ! He just wants to say hello…
If you have ever worked with, cared for, or loved and owned a dog that can be fearful or reactive, these words will have provoked a certain reaction. If you know, you know.
The thing is, not all dogs are friendly. Not all dogs want to say hello. Some dogs just want to be left alone and need space to feel comfortable and not, as they perceive, under threat. No one wants to be that person with the out of control, over friendly dog, barrelling off, being pushy, stressing out other people and their dogs. As a seasoned, professional dog walker, it is actually a red flag when I take an enquiry and I’m told ‘they absolutely love other dogs’. Its usually code for, they have no recall and lose their minds around other dogs. The opposite of chill vibes and in my opinion its not safe or responsible to include those dogs in off lead group dog walks.
How do we teach our puppies not every dog is for saying hello to?
The 1 in 3 Rule
Dog trainers often teach their clients to adopt a 1 in 3 approach when socialising their puppies. For every three dogs you encounter in the park –
- Pup says quick hello, quick sniff (2/3 seconds) and move along
- Puppy is allowed to say hello and stop to have a run and a play
- Pup passes by without stopping/sniffing bottoms/saying hello
*1 & 2 are assuming the other dog guardian is happy for this to happen
This is a nice easy guide for owners to use. But, if I’m being honest, when I’m dog walking, I probably do more of no.3 than the others. What I’m always aiming for when I take on puppy care, is a pup that can take it or leave it when we come across other dogs. ‘Neutrality Walks’ is the term usually used to describe this kind of training. We can be apply it to calm walks alongside another dog without interactions or play too.
So, if we go back to the definition of socialisation, it makes perfect sense that with puppies we want to teach them an ‘am I bothered’ attitude. Its like if I walked into a restaurant to meet some pals, it would be acceptable for me to greet them (my pals) with a hug, but not for me to run up to every table, interrupting folk and randomly introducing myself. That would be rude.
Why do we teach our puppies not every dog is for saying hello to?
When dogs practise over and over racing off to ‘say hello’ to every dog they spot, they are practising a pretty dangerous behaviour. I’ll share with you an ugly but sadly true, real life example –
A friend of a friend had a small, young dog. One day she was going out to her car on the drive, the young dog was tootling round with her loose. A lady walked by with her own small dog on a lead, just at the wrong time. Puppy took off up the road after this dog. The puppy couldn’t be recalled because he had learned to only come back after a greeting. The puppy sadly ran straight into trouble that time, resulting in him losing an eye. When his owner told me what had happened, she said “He just wanted to ‘Say Hello’ just like he always does”.
The fall out
The physical injuries to one side. One traumatic, terrifying episode with another dog can stay with them forever therefore leaving long term damage. That one event can burn a pathway in pups brain so powerful that all the previous good experiences are apparently forgotten.
I’ll bet dog trainers and behaviourists hear it on a daily basis. “He used to be great with other dogs. Then (insert incident with dog that did not want to say hello) happened and now he barks and lunges/ tries to run off/ freezes and won’t move as soon as we see another dog.”
And even without a horrible encounter, problems can arise. Lead frustration can become an issue if we don’t teach puppies to be around other dogs without interacting. This frustration can develop into reactivity.
Yikes, sorry this has all got a big negative. Back to the positive steps we can take to help our puppies grow into confident, robust dogs.
Puppy Socialisation – The Dos
- Puppy has a range of suitable pals – other puppies, older dogs, large breeds, small breeds
- Calm and polite greetings are taught
- Puppy is taught not all dogs are for playing with, they can be recalled away/pass on lead without trying to lunge across the road to ‘Say Hello’
- All the dog guardians understand what appropriate and inappropriate play looks like and they learn the dogs body language
- All the dog guardians will be the dogs advocate -they will speak up/step in to avoid the opportunity to practise unwanted behaviours
- Appropriate dog walking equipment is used to keep puppy safe like a long training line and harness
Puppy Socialisation – The Don’ts
- Play Sessions/Day Care environments that are a free for all and puppy is left to get told off by other dogs and learn the hard way
- Puppy is allowed to rush up to every dog and every person they see
- Forced situations where puppy is scared/is trying to escape or hide
- Play sessions for puppy that last far too long and leave puppy frazzled, over tired, unable to think and make good decisions
Getting it Right
If you’re considering using a dog walker to care for puppy and help socialise them in your absence, ask them about their previous experience, their knowledge of puppy development and ask them to provide examples of their previous successes with puppies and look at references. Owners, often overlook the impact their selection of professional dog walker will have on their puppy, both in the now and long term. You can read more about my puppy socialisation services HERE.
Contact a Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer. Sign up for puppy classes. Even if you’ve had a dog before. Research into canine behaviour is constantly developing so there is always something new to learn.
Recommended Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers
Easingwold Dog Trainer
Jo at Furry Tails https://furrytails.dog/services
North Yorkshire Dog Trainers
Kate at Clicking with Canines http://www.clickingwithcanines.co.uk
Kim at Pooches Galore http://www.poochesgalore.co.uk
Jo at Positively Canine http://www.positively-canine.business.site
Katie & Alice at Kats Dogs https://www.katsdogstraining.co.uk/