Young puppies need to learn about their new world with the many aspects of every day life that they will come across.

Socialisation involves the puppy learning to accept and act sociably with people, other dogs and other animals.

Habituation involves the puppy learning to accept other different aspects of his environment such as objects and places including sights, sounds, smells, touch etc.

The best time to introduce new things is when puppies are just 3 to 12 weeks old when they are less likely to react fearfully to new things. After this age they are more likely to react fearfully if it is too much for them e.g noisy traffic.

All dogs - especially puppies -are encouraged to call for regular social visits to help them feel relaxed and happy at the Vets. If they have lots of good experiences with us, then a not so pleasant experience when they are unwell will be less likely to leave them fearful of going to the vets.

It’s no wonder dogs grow to dislike going to the vets if they are only taken when they feel unwell and are then prodded, poked and jabbed by strange people in a strange place. So make a point of calling in at quieter times of the day, between surgeries so your dog can have some biscuits from the cookie jar on the reception counter plus nice fuss and attention from veterinary staff.

Your dog will soon look forward to visits to the vets! . Good times for social visits are mornings 11am to 1pm, and afternoons 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
If your dog is already frightened of coming to the vets, there are ways that we can teach him to relax and make it less of an ordeal.

Please contact us for details and ask for Sue.

As well as coming for social visits we can arrange times for your well puppy to go into the consulting room and go up onto the consulting table and receive even more biscuits.

Veterinary nurses can give your puppy nice attention and get him used to gentle handling.

Equipment that he might come across in the future can be introduced in a relaxed, non-threatening way e.g stethoscope, nail clippers.

It is much better for all concerned, especially your dog, if he is relaxed about his visits, happy at being handled and has learnt to be a good patient.