10/04/2020
Puppy people good advice
We wanted to pass on some tips for puppies and socialisation during the lockdown period
Puppies have a period of development up to between 12-18 weeks of age when they are particularly sensitive to learning about the world around them, how to interact appropriately with their own and other species, what is safe, and what is irrelevant. During this stage, exposing puppies to anything they are likely to encounter in life so that they remain happy and relaxed means they are less likely to develop a fear response to those things later in life. The current restrictions in place due to Covid-19 are going to impact on socialisation opportunities and will have other potentially undesirable affects on a puppy’s emotional development, so it’s important that veterinary staff are giving appropriate advice to breeders and new puppy caregivers:
TIP ONE – EXPOSURE TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Puppies can be carried outside to absorb information about the outside world so that they remain calm and relaxed. For people unable to leave the house, sitting and watching, listening and air scenting from the front door (on a lead or being held) or a window will provide with important information about the life outside the home.
TIP TWO – SEPARATION
Caregivers need to be very mindful of ensuring puppies learn to tolerate being left alone when the world returns to normal. On a daily basis, puppies can be provided with self-reinforcing, independent activities such as a stuffed Kong, chews, items from the recycling box that they can destroy, and activity feeders. Puppies will learn that they can have fun on their own, and barriers can be introduced such as closing the crate door, a babygate or a door. Separation can also be practiced when a puppy is very sleepy. Owners can spend time in another room or in the garden, keeping an ear out to check the puppy is showing no signs of distress.
TIP THREE – NOVELTY
Introducing puppies to something new every day will help build resilience and a general mentality to be curious about novelty. Owners can raid the loft or garage for unusual items (or even everyday items turned upside down or out of their normal context) and place an item in a room or the garden. Provide the puppy with access, allowing them to explore in their own time.
TIP FOUR – NOISES
Puppies can be introduced to all sorts of noises whilst isolated at home. The Dogs Trust website Sounds Sociable tracks provide loads of different noises that can be played as background noise, so that the puppy acknowledges the sounds but carries on with what they were doing.
Real-life noises can also be produced at home, such as crashing around in the kitchen, practicing raised voices, and using domestic appliances.
TIP FIVE – FANCY DRESS
Fake beards, glasses, big coats, umbrellas, woolly hats and scarves, walking sticks, sunglasses, long skirts, and helmets can all be used at home.
TIP SIX – THE CAR
This time can be used to expose puppies to the car on the drive, initially with the engine off and then with the engine running. Feeding the puppy its meals in the car is a good start.
TIP SEVEN – HANDLING
Get puppies used to being handled and examined, towel dried and groomed, ensuring that they remain calm and relaxed and are reinforced frequently in short amounts.
Many thanks to Rosie Bescoby BSc (Hons) PG Dip CABC and the APBC for the information! 👏
