Puppy Socialisation

Some Benefits of Puppy Socialisation/Obedience Classes

Develop a Better Understanding and Bond with your Dog

I took my puppies, Higgy and McCarthy, to puppy socialisation classes when they were about 9-weeks old and we continued for a few months. When they were two years old I also took them to agility classes for a few months. I highly recommend that anyone with a new puppy joins a socialisation/obedience class.

Not only is it a lot of fun for both owner and pups, but statistics reveal that owners with well-behaved pets have a stronger bond with them. An obedient, well-trained, relaxed dog is more responsive and easier to manage, which means both you and others you encounter will enjoy the experience more. This will result in you being closer to your dog.

Better Management

Puppy classes usually teach your dog the basic commands such as sit, stay, down, fetch, etc. These commands enable you to manage your pet and create a language they learn to understand and obey. 

A better-managed dog equates to an obedient dog that is easier to control and in turn, allows you to have your pet as part of the family and enables the pet to join you on regular outings. I took my dogs with me practically everywhere I went — I only frequented restaurants, beaches, parks, hotels, and various other places that were dog-friendly. We were a family and I wanted them to be a complete part of my life.

An uncontrollable dog is no fun for anyone and ends up with the dog staying home or being locked away when guests visit. Basic things, such as your dog not jumping up onto others when greeting them, returning to you when you call them, walking obediently on or off their leads, all help to enhance your experience with your pet.

Social Dogs

Dogs who have been socialised learn how to relate to other dogs and are generally friendlier towards them. Our instructor told me to introduce them to 100 different people a week as well as a range of different animals, and that is what we did.

My dogs socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep, goats, etc. I even took them with on a game drive one year and they absolutely loved sitting in the jeep intently observing the wildlife we passed along the way. The game farm owners allowed them to join as they were so well behaved.

It is essential for your dog to learn to socialise with other dogs and understand what is acceptable behaviour in doggy language and what is not, as it could even save their lives. McCarthy was so attuned to other dogs; if he sensed another dog was more dominant or aggressive, he would immediately flop submissively onto his back, and on every occasion the other dog would respond in a more friendly manner.

Safety

Even if your dog doesn’t go out with you much, it is important for them to understand how to deal with adults, children or pets visiting your home. Your dog is bound to encounter other animals when visiting the vet, parks, or if they are looked after by someone else or go into a kennel or boarding facility.

A dog that has been trained and obeys its owner’s commands is a much safer dog to have around. An uncontrollable dog can cause damage to others and to him/herself. 

A dog who is well attuned to its owner’s tone of voice is also at less of a risk of getting hurt should the owner call the dog away from something which could harm the dog, such as an approaching car, an attacker, an animal of prey, etc. However, it is always important to remember that an animal is still an animal and can at times behave unpredictably under different circumstances.

Connecting with the Community

Attending obedience classes on a regular basis forces you to get out and connect with other people which you may not have done had it not been for your pet. It’s a great opportunity to get to know other people, socialise, develop new friendships and get involved in different activities. You can also assist one another with tips about your own battles or positive experiences with your pets.

People with dogs generally have a lower risk to physical and mental health problems and a decreased risk of hypertension, loneliness, and a variety of other diseases.

I have always maintained that hospitals, orphanages, old-age homes, and the like should have areas where pets are allowed. I used to visit many retirement villages with my dogs and the elderly folks who were unable to get out and about were delighted to interact with them. Their spirits were lifted on every occasion and the visible transformation of their state of being was remarkable.

People often find training too time-consuming, but some dogs can live to the age of 15, 16 or more years, so the benefits of a one-year period of training are definitely a worthwhile investment along this journey. The outcome of a well-trained dog will reduce so much unnecessary stress for both you and your pet down the line.

A point to remember, however, is that not all dogs learn at the same pace and some dogs have behavioural or medical issues. If you are struggling with certain negative behaviours in your dog, I’d recommend you talk to your local vet or ask for a referral to an animal behaviourist who can visit your home and observe your dog in its environment and provide you with advice, further training, breaking of bad habits, or treatment to improve the problem you may be facing with your pet.

Also remember, that even old dogs can learn new tricks. I have taught my dogs new things right up until 14 years of age, and continuing to do so with Higgy who is still with me — 14 years and counting.

Don’t underestimate their intelligence. Many dogs will do anything to please their owners too, which was my experience with McCarthy. He was much easier to train as he simply seemed to want to make me happy no matter what it took!

Most importantly, enjoy the journey. For me, sharing my life with my two Yorkies has been one of the most joyful experiences I’ve had.