Puppy Socialisation Checklist
The window from 3 to 16 weeks shapes your dog’s confidence for life. Calm, positive exposure now prevents fear and reactivity later.
People & Handling
- Met adults, children and people in hats / uniforms
- Comfortable being touched on paws, ears, mouth and tail
- Used to being gently held and examined
- Calm around wheelchairs, bikes and prams
Sounds & Surfaces
- Traffic, generators and car horns
- Doorbells, vacuum and kitchen noise
- Walked on grass, tiles, metal and gravel
- Calm during rain and thunder
Other Animals & Places
- Positive meetings with vaccinated, friendly dogs
- Calm around cats and livestock
- Short, happy car rides
- A relaxed first vet visit (just for treats and a weigh-in)
Golden Rules
- Keep every experience short and positive; pair it with treats.
- Never force a frightened puppy; let them retreat and try again later.
- Quality over quantity: a few good experiences beat one overwhelming day.