Socialising your puppy with strangers
As your puppy grows, they'll need to meet new people. Here are some tips on how to help them feel comfortable and confident around strangers.
Helping your puppy meet new people
The best way to greet an unfamiliar dog is to either ignore them completely, or at least turn your side to the dog and let them approach at their own pace. If your puppy is wary and hesitant, it's really important to tell people they shouldn't pet them, especially not from above or on the head, as this can be intimidating for dogs. Perhaps it’s best if they aren’t petted at all. If the dog is comfortable with being petted, it should be from below and on the dog's side. People often bend down or sit to get closer to puppies, but for a shy dog, this can feel too intense. Never let strangers lift your puppy, even if they’re small breeds. You're in charge of handling training and should only let people you trust interact with your puppy in ways you approve of.
Don't let strangers lift your puppy. This happens more often with small breed puppies, but there’s no reason for it. You’re in charge of handling training and should only let people you trust interact with your puppy in ways you approve of.
Your puppy doesn't need to greet everyone
Don't be afraid to say no or to guide interactions when people ask to meet your puppy, especially if they’re too scared or tired, or you just don't feel up to it. Your puppy isn't public property, and you have a responsibility to ensure they have positive experiences with people. If they don’t, they may feel the need to communicate their discomfort, potentially through barking or, in the worst case, snapping. Puppies who become overexcited or stressed during an encounter may also be unsure, so it’s vital that people are instructed on how to greet them properly.
It’s best for your puppy to greet people one at a time. For example, if you’re doing environmental training near a school or playground, it’s easy for several children to approach at once. Ask them to stand a few feet away so your puppy can greet each child calmly, rather than being overwhelmed by a crowd.
