Raising Your Ideal Dog

Training and socialising your dog go far beyond simply creating an “obedient” pet. Consistent behavioural guidance and socialisation will not only enhance the bond you share with your dog, but also help keep them safe, make them more enjoyable for others to be around, and support their long-term mental well-being and happiness.

Here’s why helping your pet become a well-mannered member of the canine community benefits everyone.

Effective socialisation means regularly handling your dog and introducing them to a range of other animals, people, and environments in a positive way, helping them understand that these interactions are not something to fear. It's also important that your dog learns to relax both around others and when they are by themselves.

Dogs are most receptive to socialisation between 3 and 12 weeks of age, but their experiences throughout adolescence (the "teenage years") and into adulthood will continue to shape their future behaviour.

Training involves teaching your dog to understand and willingly perform desirable actions, such as sitting, returning when called, and walking calmly on a lead. It is particularly crucial during the puppy adolescent period (around 6 to 9 months for small to medium breeds and 12 to 18 months for larger breeds), to prevent behaviours that might have seemed cute when they were small (like jumping up or playful biting) from becoming problematic as they grow bigger and stronger.

The best training methods focus on positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, rather than punishment, to ensure long-lasting results.

Ongoing socialisation and training offer numerous advantages for both you and your dog, including:

• Reducing Behavioural Problems: Proper training can lower the risk of issues such as anxiety, aggression, or overexcitement.
• Increasing Tolerance for Grooming and Vet Visits: Socialisation helps your pet remain calm during procedures like grooming or medication administration.
• Creating a Calm Home Environment: A well-trained dog will be better behaved when guests visit, making it easier to host friends and family (remember that all interactions between pets and children should always be supervised).
• Minimising Problem Behaviours: Consistent training can help reduce behaviours like jumping up or mouthing.
• Fostering Safe Interactions with Other Dogs: Dogs with good social skills are more likely to have safe and enjoyable play sessions with other friendly dogs, and less likely to cause conflicts through rough or inappropriate behaviour.
• Enjoying Outdoor Activities Together: With reliable recall and calm walking or running behaviours, you and your dog can confidently enjoy outdoor activities together.
• Helping Your Dog Cope with Being Alone: Training your dog to be comfortable when alone can help prevent separation anxiety.
• Strengthening the Bond Between You and Your Dog: Consistent socialisation and training lead to a deeper connection, resulting in more years of happy companionship.

A great starting point is enrolling your puppy in a reputable preschool at around 10 to 12 weeks of age. However, it’s equally important to continue socialisation and training into adulthood, as dogs often become more independent and potentially challenging during adolescence.

For tailored advice on the best socialisation and training methods for your pet, please consult our team at the clinic or contact us.