Socialising your puppy with other dogs
There's a lot to consider when socialising your puppy with other adult dogs. We'll cover how to introduce them, when to step in, and what to do if your puppy seems scared.
Introducing a new dog to your puppy
When socialising your puppy, it's important to choose stable adult dogs who are known to be good with puppies. Meeting calm, adult dogs helps your puppy learn how to behave, understand important signals, and ultimately, enjoy the company of other dogs. Conversely, if your puppy is chased or pressured by unfamiliar dogs, they may develop a lasting dislike for other dogs.
Always ask the other owner if their dog is friendly towards puppies. Even more importantly, learn to read dog signals and body language yourself so you can make your own judgement. If you're unsure if a meeting will go well, it's best to say no. There will be other dogs to meet.
Let them socialise off-lead
A great first step towards a calm and safe meeting is to let the dogs off their leads while you walk in a secure area, like the woods. Leashes can sometimes prevent dogs from using their natural signals, leading to misunderstandings, especially if your puppy is still learning to walk on a lead.
Dogs generally behave better when they're off-lead, but you need to be ready to step in if necessary. Always intervene if your puppy looks to you for support. Separate them or ask the other owner to call their dog away. The old saying 'let the dogs sort it out' is outdated and, in the worst case, could lead to lifelong behavioural issues for your puppy.
If your puppy gets scared, don't fuss over them. Stay calm and be their stable companion, but avoid picking them up or pitying them, as this can amplify their fear. It’s best to pause for a moment with your puppy, then calmly continue your walk together.
Be mindful of the risk of injury
Remember that play can be rougher when a puppy interacts with older dogs compared to playing with other puppies. Always supervise closely when your puppy is playing with a larger dog. Allow these interactions in moderation and keep a watchful eye to minimise the risk of injury.
Always supervise your dog when they're greeting or playing with other dogs, regardless of size. Accidents can happen quickly!
Things to consider before a meeting
Always ask the other owner if their dog is friendly towards puppies.
Ask if the other dog is vaccinated.
Approach with caution and don't force interactions if your puppy is hesitant.
Sit nearby so your puppy can easily come to you if they feel scared.
Don't let your puppy interact with a potentially aggressive dog.
Intervene if the situation seems too intense for your puppy.
