A New Pet —Puppy School,Socialisation and Training

Bringing a new puppy home during the holidays is an exciting and rewarding experience. With time off work and school, it’s the perfect opportunity to start your pet’s journey toward becoming a well-behaved and confident companion. However, alongside the fun comes the responsibility of proper socialisation and training. 

Why Early Socialisation Matters

Early socialisation is critical to your puppy’s development, especially during the formative weeks between 3 and 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are highly receptive to new experiences, which can shape their behaviour for life.

Benefits of socialisation include:

• Reducing fear and anxiety.

• Encouraging positive interactions with people, animals and environments.

• Preparing puppies for everyday scenarios such as car rides, vet visits and grooming.

Poor socialisation can lead to fearful or reactive behaviours. If your puppy shows signs of hesitation, gradual exposure and encouragement can help them build confidence. Early socialisation sets the stage for a happy and adaptable adult dog.

Choosing the Right Puppy School

Enrolling in a puppy school is an excellent way to kick-start training and socialisation. When choosing a puppy school, look for:

• Positive reinforcement-based training methods that focus on rewards rather than punishment.

• Qualified and experienced trainers who understand canine behaviour.

• A safe, clean, and puppy-friendly environment where learning is fun.

Puppy school offers benefits such as learning basic commands, socialising with other puppies, and helping people gain confidence in handling and training their new pet.

Training Basics for the Holidays

The holidays can be a busy time, but it’s also a great opportunity to establish good habits and routines for your puppy. Here are some tips to get started:

• Create a routine: Consistent meal times, potty breaks and crate training sessions will help your puppy feel secure.

• Introduce basic commands: Focus on simple commands including sit, stay, come and leave it. These form the foundation of good behaviour.

• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats, praise or play when they follow commands or exhibit good behaviour. Avoid punishment, as it can cause confusion or fear.

• Involve the whole family: Ensure everyone uses the same commands and techniques to avoid confusing your puppy.

Socialisation at Home and Beyond

Socialisation doesn’t have to be complicated. Use everyday experiences to introduce your puppy to new people, places and things:

• Meet new people: Invite friends and family over to interact with your puppy in a calm and controlled way.

• Explore different environments: Let your puppy experience various surfaces, sounds and objects around your home and neighborhood.

• Introduce other pets: Arrange safe, controlled introductions to vaccinated dogs and other pets.

The holidays can also provide unique socialisation opportunities, such as visiting pet-friendly events or parks. If your puppy is hesitant or fearful, take it slow and reward them for positive interactions.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that your puppy is up to date with their vaccinations before they start socialising or going outdoors. Vaccines will protect your puppy from serious and potentially fatal diseases such as parvovirus, distemper and canine cough, which they are particularly vulnerable to in their early months.

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

The effort you put into socialisation and training during your puppy’s early months will pay off for years to come. A well-socialised and trained dog is more confident, less reactive and easier to handle in various situations.

To continue their development:

• Consider advanced obedience classes: Build on the basics with more complex commands and behaviours.

• Explore specialty training: Activities such as agility, scent work or therapy dog certification can strengthen your bond and provide mental stimulation.

• Celebrate small wins: Training takes patience, so acknowledge progress along the way.

Starting your puppy’s socialisation and training journey during the holidays is a gift that keeps on giving. By enrolling in puppy school, establishing routines, and creating positive experiences, you’ll set your new new friend up for a lifetime of happiness and good behaviour. Remember, the early days with your puppy are precious—make the most of them by investing in their training and development.