What's The Big Deal With Socialisation?

By Celia McCulla ADIPCBM (UK), Canine Behaviour Specialist (Accredited Canine Behaviourist and Trainer – SABCAP), Pet Sense College/Happy Pack Dog Training and Behaviour Management

- Celia McCulla ADIPCBM

Dog owners often believe that if they bring a new puppy into an existing household of dogs that it is covering the requirements of socialisation. Imagine that the existing dogs are a Beagle and a Labrador. The puppy will get used to dogs that look and behave like Beagles and Labradors. Should the puppy meet other dogs later on, he might not get on with them because they look and behave very differently to what he’s used to. The puppy might interact inappropriately with other dogs, which could cause problems.

Socialisation encompasses dog socialisation and should help pups to familiarise themselves to people, places, and other species such as cats, horses and livestock. It should include different experiences, sounds, sights, surfaces.