What Does 'Socialising' Your Puppy Mean?

You hear a lot about “socialising” your puppy, but what does that mean and why is it important? Socialising is actually training. By that I mean that every time you are with your puppy he is learning something. You need to make sure he’s learning what you want him to learn!

It's bloody crucial that during your pup's first 12 weeks or so you make time to interact with him every day. Socialising is more than just bonding. Anytime your pup's having a go at interacting with you or other folks, he's getting a fair idea of what behaviour's alright and what's not.

I'm a big believer in keeping your dog inside the house. That doesn't mean you can't bring him up properly if he lives in an outdoor kennel, and maybe in your situation that's the best option. Regardless, socialisation is of the utmost importance, and you can't afford to miss this window of opportunity. So, let me say it again: DAILY interaction with your pup!

In addition to getting your puppy used to life at your place and setting up daily routines, this is when you want to teach him something I call 'pressure on, pressure off.' It begins when you're holding your little mate and he starts to squirm because he wants to get down. Don't cave in. Instead, when he starts to wriggle, hold him close to you, and if he starts to struggle even more, increase the pressure by holding him tighter against you. Once he stops resisting, ease up, and after he stays still for five seconds, you can then put him down. This exercise teaches your pup that you won't put up with that kind of carry-on, and that he'll only get his way when he does what you're asking.

From the first minute you hold your new pup, you've got a chance to teach a lesson that'll stick with him his whole life. At the same time, you're learning what sort of personality your puppy has and how much pressure it takes to make him comply.

I continue this exercise several times a day for three or four weeks. Keep in mind that everyone in your family can teach this drill. Your pup has to learn who's the boss if you want him to be a welcome part of your family.

This 'pressure on, pressure off' concept is the basis for all future training. When that puppy is struggling to get down but fails, and I tighten my hold on him, he will stop for just a split-second while he tries to figure out another avenue. In that brief moment when I lighten my hold on him he has learned that compliance stops pressure. You will eventually introduce other forms of pressure into obedience training. These could be a leash, check cord or electronic collar. The type of pressure will change as you progress with training, but the concept is a constant.

Another daily routine that teaches your pup a lifelong lesson is for him to get used to you handling his feet and mouth, and checking out his eyes and ears. Every so often, while holding your pup, just grab a paw and hold it and give it a rub. If your pup struggles, keep holding the paw until he chills out, then get back to holding and rubbing it. This simple routine makes life easier when it’s time to get his nails clipped or be checked over by your vet.

You should also get your pup used to you holding his mouth and looking into it. This will make it much easier to administer medication when needed. Similarly, there will be times in the field when you’ll have to check his eyes or blow into an eye to remove a weed seed. Go through these motions now and you won’t run into resistance later.

As long as you remember that every time you or someone in your family is interacting with your puppy it is an opportunity for that puppy to learn, you are well on your way to developing a dog that’s easier to train.