Under 16 weeks of age is a critical time in the life of a dog, it is what we call the ‘puppy socialisation period’. We see something similar in young children, when the brain is like a sponge, it absorbs all new experiences and remembers them. Once out of this stage dogs become more wary of new situations, so it is important that we create good memories in this time window for our puppies.
Simple things like people wearing hats, people on bikes or even high viz jackets can become objects of fear if the dog has not met with these experiences as a puppy. As they can’t go out properly until they are fully vaccinated it is important to carry them out and about and get them meeting different people and situations.
Just like dentists invite babies for dental check-ups even before they have teeth, we as vets feel it is important that pups at least get used to walking in the door for a bit of a fuss and treat – it really makes a difference to their experience as they get older. We don’t like every visit to involve a needle!
Lucy Travers BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Highfields Vets