Puppy socialisation checklist

What is socialisation and why does it matter?

The period between 3 and 4 months of age (approximately 12–16 weeks) is one of the most important stages in a puppy’s development. During this time, puppies actively explore the world and begin to form their attitudes towards unfamiliar people, objects, sounds, and situations.

It’s essential that puppies are gently exposed to a wide variety of new experiences during this stage — in a safe, calm environment and with neutral or positive outcomes.

Our goal isn’t to introduce the puppy to everything in the world, but to help them learn that new doesn’t have to mean scary.

Proper socialisation at this age helps:

• reduce the risk of fear-related behaviours later (especially during the “fear period” around 7–10 months);

• improve their ability to adapt to life in a human world;

• lay the foundation for confident and balanced behaviour.

  
  

This checklist doesn’t cover every possible experience, but it includes many of the common and important stimuli your dog is likely to encounter in daily life.

ANIMALS	• Friendly dogs  • Playful dogs  • Polite dogs  • Large dogs  • Small dogs  • Adult dogs	• Puppies  • Uninterested dogs  • Farm animals  • Small animals  • Cats  • Birds
PEOPLE	• Babies  • Toddlers  • Children  • Teenagers  • Adults  • Elderly  • All genders  • People in wheelchairs  • Postman	• People in uniforms  • Delivery drivers/couriers  • Men with beards  • People of different ethnicities  • Crowded places  • Veterinary staff  • Groomer  • Dog walker/sitter/minder
CLOTHING / UNIFORM / OBJECTS	• Face coverings  • High-visibility clothing  • Headwear  • Glasses/sunglasses  • Boots (footwear)  • Crutches  • Umbrellas  • Walking frames	• Bags on wheels  • Carrier bags  • Balloons  • Trolleys  • Long coats  • Puffer jackets  • Gloves
AT THE PARK	• Joggers  • Cyclists  • Scooters  • Rollerskates  • People playing ball games	• Sports equipment  • Skate boards  • Tall grass  • Running children
NOISES	• Fireworks  • Sirens  • Vacuum cleaner  • Kitchen appliances  • Door knock/bell  • Dog Barking  • Children crying	• Sirens  • Car horns  • Trucks  • Motorbikes  • Musical instruments  • Wheelie bins  • Door slamming
PLACES / ENVIRONMENTS	• Vets  • Groomer’s  • Cafe/pub etc  • Fields  • Forests  • Car rides  • Bus/train (public transport)  • Pet shops  • Bridges  • Subway crossings	• Busy  • Streets  • Lifts  • Stairs  • Workplace  • Different rooms at home  • Near schools  • Near children’s playgrounds  • Different walking surfaces (grass, pavement, carpets etc)