It is important to get your canine companion used to many different places, sounds, people, vehicles and much more. The below checklist will help your dog to get exposed to many of them. Just make sure your four-legged friend is calm and relaxed.
Make sure to keep the socialisation experiences short, fun and safe to begin with, then increase. Give plenty of praise and treats. Also remember dogs can read your facial expression, body language and tone.
HYGIENE & HEALTH
- Teeth cleaning
- Bathing and toweling down
- Handling paws and using a towel on paws
- Brushing and combing fur
- Clippers
IN THE HOME
- Stairs, steps and ramps (small dogs)
- Handling by different members of the household
- Washing Machine and Dryer
- Dish washer
- Vacuum cleaner
- Hair dryer
- Noisy and vibrating objects
- Collar, coats, harness and leads
OUT AND ABOUT
- Short vehicle rides
- Roadsides – vehicle sounds, gusts from passing and heavy clanging vehicles
- Shops
- Vets
- Family and Friends homes and gardens
- Groomers
- Schools
- Parks, bridal paths and fields
- Scooters, Cyclists, skateboarders, etc.
- Shallow water
- Weather – Rain, windy, etc.
ANIMALS
- Other dogs – small, medium and large, varied colours and breeds
- Livestock
- Horses, ponies and donkeys
- Birds
- Cats, rabbits and other small pets
- Squirrels
PEOPLE
- Men and women
- Babies – also in prams, cots, etc.
- Infants – with toys, making noises, moving around
- Teens – with hoodies, large earphones on, etc.
- Loud voices, shouting, laughing, etc. (non-aggressive)
- Clapping hands and making loud bangs (only do when facing and stop if scared)
- Elderly people – with Zimmer frame, walking sticks, wheelchair, scooter, etc.
- Wearing hats, glasses and tinted, face masks, scarves, cycle/motorbike helmets, etc.
- Men with beards
- High Vis jackets
- Long bulky coats, umbrellas, big bags, suitcases, etc.
- Different skin colours
