What to look for in your new puppy

The importance of socialisation

By the time puppies are 7-8 weeks old and ready to go to new homes, they will vary greatly in brain development depending on how they have been raised. This will have a profound effect on their future behaviour. 

Puppies kept in isolated, barren or kennel environments with limited access to adults, children, other animals and other situations will find it very difficult to cope in a normal busy household. They likely to be shy, concerned about leaving the security of littermates and will actively avoid encounters with people and other animals. These puppies are anxious and fearful when placed in unfamiliar situations, which may develop into aggression and other behaviour problems later.

Puppies usually go to new homes from the age of about 6-8 weeks. This means that about 3 to 5 weeks of the critical socialisation time is spent with the breeder. During this time, puppies should be exposed to a whole range of different encounters and experiences to equip them for life in the human world.

Puppies need know how to relate well to humans. More than anything else, this determines their success as pets. How sociable a dog will be is determined by the experiences it has as a puppy, especially those it has before the age of 12 weeks. Sociable dogs rarely bite and are less likely to be returned to breeders because of aggression.

As well as humans, puppies need to be able to interact readily with animals that they may encounter in later life, such as other dogs, cats and livestock. Socialising with other dogs at an early age can make the difference between a good pet that can be let off the lead to play and one that will never be able to interact safely with its own kind.

Puppies lacking in socialisation

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These 9 week old Golden Retrievers were raised outside in a stable and have spent most of their time in a barren environment which is quite unlike the new pet home they will soon be expected to cope with. Although they appear healthy and happy, carefully watch their interactions with humans. Although they are attracted to them, they show no social behaviour towards them and are often afraid, flattening themselves or turning their faces away. Notice how they are happy to move away once released. The mother is absent and we were told that ‘she doesn’t tolerate her puppies any more now that they are weaned’ so we could not see her or see them together. These puppies have the potential to develop fear-based problems later in life and will have difficulties bonding with humans easily.

Well socialised puppies

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These 7 week old Labradors were raised in a house and have spend most of their time in the busy, enriched environment of a pet home. They have frequent access to normal family life with its attendant noises, smells and sights. Notice how sociable they are with children, adults, cats and dogs. Their environment is full of objects for them to investigate. These puppies will make ideal pets that will readily form happy friendships with people and other animals. They are likely to be relaxed and confident in most situations and will find it easy to adjust to their new lives with their new owners. In addition, because of their routine and care, they are already nearly housetrained.

This is an extract from 'How to find a good breeder'. This material is published with permission from and with thanks to Gwen Bailey and puppyschool.co.uk.