How to socialise your puppy: a safe plan before and after vaccinations

The first few months of a puppy's life shape how they feel about the world as an adult. A puppy that has calm, happy experiences now is far more likely to grow into a confident dog. The good news is that you can start straight away, even before vaccinations are complete.

What is puppy socialisation?

Socialisation means helping your puppy learn that everyday people, animals, sounds, places and experiences are normal and safe. It also covers being handled, travelling in the car, being left alone for short spells and learning to settle.

Why does the socialisation period matter?

PDSA describes a socialisation period from about 4 to 12 weeks of age, when a puppy's brain is most open to learning about new things. Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club stress that learning carries on through the first four months. Most puppies come home at about 8 weeks, so much of this window happens with you.

PDSA warns that dogs that aren't socialised when young tend to be more anxious, and are more likely to develop fears, phobias and behaviour problems. Dogs Trust adds that puppies who are overwhelmed or have bad experiences at this age are also more likely to struggle as adults. So the aim is plenty of good experiences, built up gradually.

How to socialise a puppy before vaccinations

Puppies need a course of vaccinations, and your vet will advise on a schedule. Until your puppy is protected, they are at risk from serious diseases such as parvovirus and distemper, so PDSA and Dogs Trust advise:

• carry your puppy in public places in your arms, a sling, a carrier or a secure pram, so they can see, hear and smell the world without touching the ground;
• use your own garden, as long as it is secure and not used by unvaccinated dogs or visited often by foxes;
• invite people to your home to meet your puppy;
• only let your puppy meet dogs you know are fully vaccinated, ideally in a private garden;
• keep away from ponds, rivers and stagnant water, because of the risk of leptospirosis.

Experiences you can offer at home

The Kennel Club suggests tunnels, steps, things to clamber over and different surfaces to walk on. Other ideas:

• household sounds, such as the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, hairdryer and doorbell;
• recordings of fireworks, thunder and traffic, played quietly at first;
• gentle handling of paws, ears, mouth and coat, rewarded with treats;
• visitors of different ages, including people wearing hats, glasses or coats;
• short car journeys, safely secured.

Teach time alone and quiet time too

The Kennel Club recommends teaching your puppy from day one that they won't always have access to you. Use a baby gate or play pen for short spells while something nice is happening, such as a chew or a meal. Reward your puppy when they settle calmly beside you.

Keep every experience positive

PDSA's advice is to use treats, toys and praise so your puppy enjoys new things. Build up gradually, from a quiet street to a busier one, and don't pack too many new experiences into one day.

Watch your puppy's body language. PDSA lists lip licking, yawning and looking away as signs a puppy may not feel comfortable. Battersea notes that many puppies go through a more fearful phase, often around 8 to 11 weeks. If your puppy seems anxious, calmly move further away, let them rest and try again another day.

Never force your puppy to approach something, and ask visitors to let your puppy come to them.

When can my puppy go out and meet other dogs?

Your vet will tell you when your puppy is protected. Dogs Trust says this is typically one to two weeks after the primary vaccination course is finished, but timing varies with the vaccine used. PDSA adds that some higher-risk places, such as near rivers and farms, may need to wait a little longer.

Once your vet gives the go-ahead, introduce other dogs gradually. Dogs Trust suggests:

1. Practise walking calmly on a loose lead and rewarding your puppy for paying attention to you.
2. Walk at a distance from other dogs, rewarding calm behaviour.
3. Slowly move closer over several outings.
4. Arrange a walk with a friend's calm, friendly dog, with both dogs on lead at first.
5. Let them greet briefly on lead if both are relaxed, then keep moving.

Supervise play, and step in if it becomes too rough for either dog.

How to choose a good puppy class

A good class lets your puppy meet other puppies and people in a controlled way, and helps you with training. Blue Cross says puppies usually attend between 12 and 20 weeks old. Ask your vet which vaccinations your puppy needs before their first class.

The RSPCA and Blue Cross recommend:

• watching a class without your puppy before you sign up;
• choosing a trainer who uses rewards such as food, toys and play;
• avoiding any class that uses shouting, punishment, choke chains or other harsh equipment;
• looking for small, calm classes with little uncontrolled play;
• checking whether the trainer is registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), whose instructors have been assessed.

A weekly class is a great start, but most socialisation happens in everyday life with you.