Puppy Parties
Puppy parties will be held regularly. Please contact the clinic for more details.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY SOCIALISATION
More young adult dogs are euthanased as a result of behavioural problems than die from the diseases we vaccinate against.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of these behavioural problems are brought about by poor socialisation. For example, if a puppy has never met someone wearing a motorcycle helmet, or a child, and encounters one of these for the first time, it may become extremely fearful. A natural response of a fearful dog, if it has no other means of escape, is aggression.
Proper habituation helps prevent similar problems. For example, imagine a dog who has never encountered thunder or fireworks. The animal could well be sick with fear, and may become aggressive. And, if a puppy has not been accustomed to separation from its owners during the ‘sensitive developmental period’, it may in later life exhibit signs of separation anxiety such as barking, whining, loss of toilet control, or destructive behaviour whenever it is left alone.
HOW PUPPY PARTIES CAN HELP
All animals at the start of their lives experience what is known as the ‘sensitive development period’. During this time, they encounter the world for the first time – and learn to accept what they find.
In puppies, the sensitive period starts from birth and lasts until about 14 weeks of age. Anything a puppy experiences during that time will become part of its natural order of things. After that age, unfamiliar objects and experiences can cause a fearful response (sometimes extremely fearful) and could ultimately lead to aggression.
Puppy parties offer the owner a unique opportunity to introduce his or her puppy to many additional sights, sounds and experiences in a controlled and responsible way.
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BENEFITS OF THE PUPPY PARTY
There are many positive benefits to puppy parties.
- Puppy parties provide a great opportunity for puppies to socialise safely with other dogs during the sensitive development period
- They give the opportunity to educate the whole family – especially children – about responsible dog ownership, including socialisation, habituation, training and general healthcare
- They teach the puppy to interact and mingle, as well as familiarising them to the veterinary practice. This results in happier, better behaved patients that are easier to examine
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