18/06/2026
The Misguided Perception of Socialisation ❗️
The Video is a example from a vets who i highly respect for there veterinary skills , but they need a greater understanding of the issues they a creating for many clients.
The huge volumes of people who come through our door, who can't understand why their puppy or young dog will not listen in the real world.
Even in this day and age, with dog training evolving so much, we still see people believing that puppy playgroups and "socialisation classes" are what socialisation truly means.
Here are a few points to think about logically 🤔...
Why do you think it helps your dog in the real world if you create excitement around other dogs and teach them to expect to greet and play with every dog they see?
Why would your dog see you as the best thing in the world when you've consistently shown them that other dogs are more exciting and more rewarding than you are?
Why would that dog choose to listen to you during training when their foundations have been built on rough play, overexcitement, and becoming over-aroused around other puppies and dogs?
Not only can this heightened state of arousal develop into reactivity through overstimulation, but there's also the risk of placing a timid or nervous puppy into situations they cannot emotionally cope with.
Rather than building confidence, it can push them further into fear and anxiety.This can lead to defensive behaviours and negative associations towards other dogs.
And guess what?
You then have to change your lifestyle and limit the experiences you had hoped to enjoy with the dog you brought into your life to make memories with.
True socialisation isn't about interaction with every dog. It's about teaching your puppy how to navigate the world calmly, confidently, and with engagement towards you.
