How to Socialise Your Puppy
In this article, I’ll guide you through how to raise a confident, responsive dog that can stay focused on you - no matter what’s happening in the environment!
The goal is to give you and your puppy a solid foundation to build on, setting you both up for a lifetime of enjoyable adventures. One of the biggest traps new puppy parents fall into is over-socialising their pups, which can make it hard to get their attention and prevent unwanted mischief.
Let’s dive into what socialisation really means, how to do it right, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What You'll Learn:
- What Is Socialisation?
- Can You Over Socialise A Puppy?
- Puppy Socialisation Top Tips
- Puppy Socialisation Checklist
- Understanding the Puppy Socialisation Period
- Socialising Your Puppy Before Vaccinations
- The Puppy Fear Period
- Socialising Your Puppy Through Adolescence
- Is It Too Late To Socialise My Puppy?
What Is Socialisation?
Can You Over Socialise A Puppy?
In short, yes.- Confident in new environments
- Able to focus on you, even with distractions
- Calm, secure, and responsive
Puppy Socialisation Top Tips
- Start early: The critical window is between 4–16 weeks
- Gradual exposure: Start at a distance and work closer
- Use treats: Reinforce calm, confident behaviour
- Watch your pup’s body language: If they’re struggling, take a step back
- Choose calm environments: Avoid high-energy dog parks at first
Puppy Socialisation Checklist
Sounds (you can use Youtube to help with these)
- Hoover
- Blender
- Doorbell
- Thunderstorms
- Fireworks
- Drill
- Lawnmower
- Crying Babies
- Kids Playing
- Barking
- Sirens
- Alarms
Being Touched
- Ears, tail, paws
- Belly, mouth, gums and teeth
Surfaces and Textures
- Soft flooring; carpet, rugs, towels
- Slippery flooring; lino, wooden flooring, mats
- Metal surfaces; manhole covers, drains
- Grass; wet and dry
- Soil; muddy and dry, short and long
- Gravel
- Decking
- Stairs
Vehicles
- Buses, motorbikes, trains, cars, bicycles
- Bin lorries, road sweepers,
People
- Tall people
- Kids, adults, elderly, babies in pram's
- Men and women
- People with walking sticks, wheelchairs, hats and glasses
Places
- Parks, cafes, beaches, busy streets
- Vets
- Restaurants, pubs
- Countryside, beaches
Other Animals
- Dogs (various sizes and breeds)
- Cats
- Horses
- Sheep
- Cows
- Ducks, birds
Household Items
- Brooms
- Mops
- Hoovers
- Lawnmower
Understanding the Puppy Socialisation Period
The critical period for puppy socialisation is from 4 to 16 weeks. The first 4 weeks are with the breeder, so choosing a good breeder is key. Talk to them and find out what they’re doing to help your puppy grow into a confident dog. They should already be introducing your pup to basic sounds, textures, and experiences.
Once your puppy comes home:
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Allow a few days to settle in.
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Focus on helping them feel safe and secure
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Don’t let them “cry it out” - this can damage trust
A confident puppy starts with connection and comfort at home. This is a vital part of your socialisation training. Your puppy has just left his mother, his siblings, and everything he’s ever known.
Socialising Your Puppy Before Vaccinations
You don’t need to wait until your puppy’s vaccinated to start socialisation - you just need to be smart about it.
While your pup shouldn’t touch the ground outside until vaccinations are complete, you can:
- Carry them around new places
- Introduce new sounds using YouTube (start low volume)
- Expose them to different surfaces at home
- Invite visitors over in a calm, structured way
You can even make a fun “textured trail” indoors using towels, tin foil, silicone mats, and paper bags!
The Puppy Fear Period
There are two fear periods in a young dog’s life:
- 8–12 weeks (just after arriving home)
- 5–6 months (around adolescence)
During these times, your pup may suddenly become scared of things they were previously fine with.
Stay calm. Be supportive. Don’t force it. Give them space, and use treats to create positive associations. This phase usually lasts 2–3 weeks.
Socialising Your Puppy Through Adolescence
Oh, adolescence, much like human teenagers, the puppy teen stage can be tricky. You may have nailed recall, and your dog might have been wonderfully focused on you… and then suddenly, at 5 or 6 months of age, it all changes!
Your puppy is now more interested in novel and exciting things, and it can be challenging to retain their attention.
To navigate this:
- Revisit your earlier training
- Lower the difficulty (less busy areas, more distance)
- Stay consistent with praise and rewards
And yes - keep those treats flowing.
If you are worried about your dog eating too many calories then using a dehydrator to dry your pup’s favourite Marleybones meals into delicious treats is a great solution.
Is It Too Late To Socialise My Puppy?
Absolutely not!
Even if your dog is past the critical period or is over a year old, socialisation is always possible. It may take a little longer, but with patience, consistency, and measurable goals, you can create the dog you dream of.
Final Thoughts
The early months are intense, but they’re also the most powerful time to shape your dog’s future. Go slow, be thoughtful, and celebrate the small wins.
A confident, well-adjusted dog is worth every ounce of effort.And remember - if you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way - please feel free to reach out to us. We are always happy to lend a paw.
Treat your pup to the best.
Marleybones offers nutritious, fresh meals for your beloved friend.
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