| Puppy will be with dam and siblings, but should experience
human scent (both male and female) at a very early stage | All environmental stimuli should be interesting and non-threatening
to the pup.
Breeder should expose to household noises (washing machine,
vacuum, TV). Start to accustom to a normal domestic environment. Plenty of handling: start grooming, mock vet examinations.
| Puppy normally transfers to owner.
Should meet all the family (men, women, children, other pets
and babies). Car journeys. Postman/milkman. Visitors of all shapes and sizes. Start to accustom to being left unattended. Add food to puppy’s bowl while it eats. Consider starting exposure under controlled low disease risk
status.
| Start to introduce stronger stimuli (street noises, crowds,
children’s play area).
Begin leash training. Ideal time for puppy socialisation classes under veterinary
supervision. Avoid dogs that are aggressive or badly behaved in parks,
as these may encourage fear and teach bad behaviour
| Ensure a broadening range of experiences | Lessons learnt can be forgotten unless you reinforce them.
This should continue right up until social maturity – typically
after 12 months of age. |
