1066 Pets and People - Behaviour & Training

03/07/2026

Good socialisation requires supporting your puppy appropriately through different experiences to help them feel safe and build confidence in a variety of situations. Good socialisation is not allowing a free for all at the park and letting the dogs sort themselves out. Be selective about suitable friends or playmates as too much play can create rough players as they develop into adolescent dogs and lead frustration can become an issue as the dog's choice to either move closer to or away from an incoming dog is restricted. Understanding body language and lead handling skills is really important to set our pups up for success.

Socialisation does not mean...

❌Pushing your puppy into uncomfortable situations
❌Forcing them to be involved in activities that are overwhelming to them
❌Going for 'volume' of encounters without assessing your puppies needs or the quality of those encounters
❌ Making on-lead dogs approach each other when one of them is clearly backing off or showing signs of discomfort

(search our previous posts on canine body language to learn more about the subtle signs of unease)

The first three to four months of a puppy’s life are known as the socialisation or sensitive period — a critical developmental window where puppies learn what is safe, normal, and predictable in the world around them. What puppies experience during this time, whether positive or negative, can have profound effects on their behaviour later in life.

Research shows that dogs who are not properly socialised as puppies are at a higher risk of developing problematic behaviours in adulthood, including fear, anxiety, aggression, and separation-related issues.

For example, puppies given additional socialisation were later reported by owners to show:

✅ less fear towards humans
✅ improved emotional bonding
✅ greater confidence at one year of age

Puppy socialisation is not simply “meeting lots of people and dogs.” It is the process of building a foundation of safe, positive experiences, helping puppies develop into calm and resilient adult dogs.

During this period, puppies are naturally more curious. Once this window closes, it becomes much harder to reverse negative associations.

Unfortunately, due to the high prevalence of low welfare dogs (and other animals), time and time again people are buying puppies whose parents are bred in poor welfare, stressful conditions, and do not receive the essential life experiences that a good breeder should provide from the day they are born. Importantly, research highlights that the socialisation period begins while puppies are still in the breeding environment. Because puppies are typically homed from 8 weeks onwards, responsibility for early exposure starts with the breeder, not just the new owner. This is increasingly important as more puppies are being bred in large commercial (or illegally imported from) breeding establishments. Dogs sourced from such facilities are reported to show increased risk of behavioural disorders later in life, including:

➡heightened fear
➡aggression
➡anxiety
➡separation-related behaviours
➡attention-seeking behaviours
➡sensitivity to touch

Furthermore, despite the importance of this stage, socialisation is often misunderstood or done incorrectly. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

1. Overwhelming Experiences
Introducing too many new people, environments, or noises at once can flood a puppy emotionally. Instead of learning confidence, puppies may learn fear. Socialisation should always be gradual, calm, and controlled.

2. Allowing Negative or Frightening Encounters

A single frightening event — such as being attacked by another dog or forced into an uncomfortable situation — can leave long-term emotional consequences. Negative early experiences are strongly linked to anxiety-related behaviours later in life.

3. Inconsistent Exposure

Socialisation is not a one-off event. You have not 'done traffic' after one outing on a road. Sporadic exposure can result in puppies failing to build confidence, leaving them uncertain in unfamiliar situations as adults. Consistency can help here: short, positive, repeated experiences may work best.

4. Ignoring Individual Differences

Not all puppies respond the same way. Some are bold and curious, while others are naturally more cautious and need more time to adjust.

5. Waiting Until Vaccinations Are Fully Complete

Many owners delay socialisation until after vaccinations, but this risks missing the most sensitive learning period. Safe socialisation starts from the moment these puppies are born and while they grow up with the breeder - and can continue in the household and some safe areas/interactions before the vaccination courses is fully done - as this can be 12-14+weeks of age and you have 'missed the boat' so to speak.

6. Focusing on Quantity Over Quality

Socialisation is not about how many dogs or people a puppy meets. It is not about forcing you puppy to cuddle children and accept people petting them when they are clearly uncomfortable. A few calm, rewarding encounters are far more valuable than many chaotic ones.

The goal is not to overwhelm — but to teach puppies that the world is safe. You can start that by picking high welfare puppies, but after that is is not about forcing or overwhelming your puppies.

McEvoy V, Espinosa UB, Crump A, Arnott G. Canine Socialisation: A Narrative Systematic Review. Animals (Basel). 2022 Oct 22;12(21):2895. doi: 10.3390/ani12212895. Erratum in: Animals (Basel). 2022 Dec 26;13(1):81. doi: 10.3390/ani13010081. PMID: 36359020; PMCID: PMC9655304.

23/06/2026

We are hiring! 🎉

We're looking for a new Patient Care Assistant to join our team at GoPet Services Vets.

Over the last few years, we've grown from a mobile veterinary service into a busy independent practice, and with our recent expansion and increasing caseload, we're now looking to add another PCA to our team.

We're a genuinely independent practice, which means our focus is on providing the best possible care for our patients and clients. We have a supportive team, modern facilities, and a culture where everyone's contribution matters.

*Please note that we are only looking for applicants with previous experience working in a veterinary practice.*

We're looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a team, takes pride in providing excellent patient care, and is happy to get involved in all aspects of practice life.

For the right person, this role can also offer genuine career progression. If your ambition is to develop your skills and pursue a career in veterinary nursing, we'll be happy to support and encourage that journey.

If you're looking for a role where you'll be valued, supported, and able to make a real difference to our patients, we'd love to hear from you.

You can find the full job description on indeed. (Link in comments)

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who may be interested.

Mike & the GoPet Services Team

17/06/2026

As the weather warms up, we're seeing an increase in pets affected by grass seeds. These small seeds may look harmless, but they can cause serious problems for dogs and cats! 😭

Grass seeds can become lodged in:
Paw pads and between the toes, Ears, Eyes, Noses, Even under the skin, where they can migrate and cause painful infections.

Signs to watch for include:
• Excessive licking or chewing at paws
• Sudden limping
• Head shaking or scratching at the ears
• Sneezing repeatedly
• Swelling, redness, or discharge from the skin

To help prevent problems:
✅ Check your pet's paws, ears, and coat after walks
✅ Keep fur between the toes trimmed
✅ Avoid long grass where possible 😁

11/06/2026

Only takes 15 mins

24/05/2026

Although we are all getting to grips with the XL Bully legislation and need for muzzling dogs, and in light of the 'Just In Case' campaign, we think it's an important reminder that we should NOT be using closed mouth muzzles to walk dogs, and dogs must be able to pant.

Note that many dog muzzles are not made in a way that allows full panting. Even some basket muzzles, like the ones you often see us use in a veterinary practice, does not allow a full pant and isn't suitable for exercise.

They MUST be able to pant or they risk heat stroke, especially in warm weather but this is important no matter what temperature!

If you need a bite proof muzzle, that also allows dogs to pants, look at communities such as The Muzzle Movement and The Muzzle Up Project for help and support.

➡️Muzzles are an essential piece of equipment in in the dog world.

➡️A properly fitted muzzle can allow people to safely exercise and socialise their dogs in a safer environment.

➡️Sadly dogs wearing muzzles are subject to judgment.

➡️There are a number of reasons dogs need to wear a muzzle, and none of them mean you have a bad dog! What we do have is a dog that is experiencing the world and an owner who has safe control of their pet.

✅Muzzle training should always be a very positive experience so the muzzle becomes associated with enjoyable experiences like walks, socialising, activities or safe off lead exercise, for example. Training may be a slow process but is worthwhile to allow your pet to safely navigate their environment.

➡️There are a number of reasons why a dog may be wearing a muzzle. If you see a dog wearing one:

✅ Recall your dog in case the dog is fear reactive or dog reactive

✅ Communicate with the owner.

🗨️"Hello, how are you? Is your dog okay with my dog or would you like me to move further away?"

In many instances you may help reduce the anxiety of a fear reactive dogs owner who can then safely pass without worrying about unexpected confrontation.

You may also learn that their dog is perfectly fine with dogs and would love to play, and they are wearing the muzzle for other reasons.

These reasons can be:

✅Behaviour
Some dogs need a muzzle to safely exercise in public because they may be reactive of aggressive in certain circumstances. An owner walking a muzzled dog is taking excellent care to provide for their welfare needs to enjoy natural behaviour while still considering the safety of others.

✅ Dogs that scavenge on walks.
This could result in the dangerous ingestion of mouldy foods, or other dangerous objects like stones, large pieces of wood or rubbish and litter left around (P.s please bin your litter!!)

✅ Dogs that are on a medical elimination diet and are not allowed to eat anything else to check for food allergies

✅ Dogs with medical issues like pancreatitis meaning scavenging high fat treats could cause a nasty flare up. Or dogs with diabetes that need to stop grabbing sneaky treats on walks to help control their blood glucose levels.

✅ Dogs who have a high prey drive and may try to catch little animals or even nip other smaller dogs on walks

✅ Dogs that's are perfectly lovely but have been put under restrictions by Breed Specific Legislation like a Pit Bull Terrier or XL Bully.

Post Pictures of your happy muzzled dog✅🐾💞

17/05/2026

Love this, being able to rest and sleep peacefully is so important for feeling safe, wellbeing and recovery. 🐾

PHYSICAL CONTACT AND FEELING SAFE
Six years ago I fostered a Lurcher puppy who had come from truly awful circumstances. When he came into rescue his fundamental need above all else was to feel safe and for the first few weeks this meant he needed to be in close physical contact with someone.

He wanted to be touching either me, my children but his top choice was my inuit, Sylvi. Sylvi isn’t a huge cuddler of other dogs normally and she gets so hot she never ever sleeps touching anyone and she sleeps on the hard floor not a bed. But, for the first few nights after he arrived she let him sleep, glued to her- despite how hot she got! After that she decided he could sleep in the bed with me 😂🙄.

I think it’s easy to overlook a dogs fundamental need to feel safe and how close physical contact can be an important part of this is stressed and traumatised dogs. I have clients who say that their dog will only sleep in the day if they sit down right next to them, but then that’s what they probably need you to do for now if that’s the only way they can settle. If they can only sleep at night if they are next to you, then that’s what they need right now.

My Lurcher puppy went on to a fabulous home by the way where he is living his best life ❤️

16/05/2026

Next Puppy Course starting on Tuesday 26th May at 10.15am in Bexhill, 4 weeks in person, small groups with online support.
Please get in touch for further details: [email protected]

09/05/2026

We would like to introduce Wallace, a lovely German Shepherd x Malamute, on behalf of our friends at The Mayhew.

At just two years old, Wallace is a playful, active boy with so much love to give. He’s been waiting over a year for his chance to find a family and would make a wonderful, loyal companion.

Wallace enjoys being outdoors and, while he can sometimes feel unsure in new situations, he just needs a patient and understanding adopter to help him grow in confidence. Once he bonds with you, he’s incredibly affectionate and truly special.

Wallace is currently in the care of The Mayhew in North West London, but would really love to find a rural/semi-rural home. He can be rehomed outside of London but potential adopters would need to be able to travel to London to meet him.

He could potentially live with another dog after a successful introduction but would prefer an adult-only home. He is unable to live with cats.

If you think you could offer Wallace the loving home he’s been waiting for, The Mayhew would love to hear from you: https://themayhew.org/dogs/wallace/

13/04/2026

Paws Up can be a great confidence boosting skill with many benefits indoors and out. It's something we include in our classes and behaviour training. Tuesday daytime group training in Bexhill.
1 Puppy space available tomorrow morning.
Get in touch to find out more: [email protected]