The Billy Lids

Socialising your puppy can have a profound effect on their development and their general behaviour. Your puppy should have exposure to many different experiences.

Puppies are naturally very curious and because of their openness to experience new sounds, smells and sights, it is a wonderful time to expose them to things they are likely to encounter during their lifetime.

Your puppy should first be introduced to your family and allowed to become familiar and comfortable within his or her environment. Children must be taught to handle a dog gently. It is important that the puppy is taught that all humans are ahead of him/her in the family hierarchy.

Before you and your puppy venture out into the world, ensure your puppy is fully vaccinated. It can take between 7-10 days after the last puppy vaccination before adequate immunity is reached. Consult your vet health care professional for further information relating to vaccinations.

• Expose your puppy to different environments by taking them out and about in public as often as possible.
• Take your puppy to your local vet for a cuddle and a weigh-in from time to time. The puppy will then associate the trip to the vet with a positive experience.
• Introduce your puppy to lots of different sounds: loud music, vacuum cleaners, garbage trucks, sirens and general household noise. Many dogs have a real fear of fire works, so try to desensitise your puppy to these sounds if you get the opportunity. A recording of various sounds may assist you.
• Enrol your puppy into a reputable puppy pre-school class. Ensure that training is based upon positive reinforcement methods.
• Allow your puppy to play and socialise with other fully vaccinated dogs. Ensure they are closely supervised. Many puppies try to establish a hierarchical order, so if you feel things are getting out of hand then it’s time to intervene.
• Run your hands over the puppy’s body, and apply pressure to the limbs.

Many dogs are protective of their feet. This can be useful if your vet needs to clip the claws or inspect the foot for any reason. Lift his tail and get him/her used to having the tail touched should he/she needs his/her temperature taken. Apply pressure to your dogs’ ears, so they may be checked and cleaned. Allow your dog to become familiar with having his/her eyes looked at and opening his/her mouth. Be patient and gentle and reward your puppy with positive reinforcement.