Start Strong with Socialisation & Basic Obedience

By Sarah Christie, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Welcoming a puppy into your life is an exciting (and slightly exhausting!) adventure. The early weeks and months are your golden window for teaching your new best friend how to navigate the world with confidence. Let’s make the most of it.

Why Socialisation Matters

Socialisation isn’t just about meeting other dogs — it’s about positive exposure to sights, sounds, smells, people, and places. The goal is to help your puppy learn that the world is safe and fun.

• Take them to watch kids play at the park.
• Let them walk on different surfaces like grass, sand, and tiles.
• Introduce them to friendly dogs who are fully vaccinated and gentle.

Basic Obedience Foundations

Start with short, fun training sessions (2–5 minutes) a few times a day. Focus on:

• Sit – Builds impulse control.
• Come – Essential for safety.
• Leave it – Prevents them from grabbing dangerous or unwanted items.

Make It Positive

Use treats, praise, and play to reward the behaviours you want. Puppies learn best when they’re having fun.

Tip from Sarah: “Consistency beats perfection. Even if your puppy only learns one small thing today, you’ve made progress.”