Discover how to socialise your puppies from the very start, so they’re resilient, confident and world-ready.

Whether you’re a dog breeder, owner, walker, groomer or trainer this course will equip you with the skills and understanding you need to nurture essential life skills from the very start.

How do you effectively socialise a puppy, from birth, into adolescence?

From 3 - 16 weeks of age, puppies are in a critical socialisation period. The events that take place during this influential socialisation window will shape the future of these young dogs. Adolescence is another significant period in a young dog's life, where fear periods and developmental changes can greatly impact a dog’s character, temperament and future.

Set your puppies up to

  • handle novel situations with confidence

  • explore the world with curiosity

  • feel at ease and relaxed whatever comes their way

  • thrive in our human world.

Get these fundamental stages right, and you will support your puppies in the growth and development of core life skills such as confidence, resilience and bounce-back ability.

Effective puppy socialisation can significantly reduce the likelihood of behaviour problems such as fear and aggression, making it a vital area to master early on.

Understand the normal developmental stages of puppies, from birth to adolescence

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Student Registration & Contract

    • How does the course work?

    • Student Process Flow Chart

    • Qualification Handbook

    • Guided Resources

    • IPET Network RESOURCES

    • Candidate Qualification Overview & Feedback Form

    • Puppy Socialisation Plan Template

    • KC Puppy Sales Pack Template
  • 2

    Socialisation & Habituation

    • Definitions & Examples
  • 3

    Stages of Puppy Development

    • Stages of Development
  • 4

    The Importance of Breeder Socialisation

    • Breeder Socialisation

    • Breeder Blueprint
  • 5

    Breed Specifics

    • How does breed affect behaviour?

    • Genetics and Environment further reading
  • 6

    How do dogs learn?

    • Reinforcement & Rewards

    • Play as a reward

    • Luring as an aid to rewarding with food

    • Canine Learning Theory further reading
  • 7

    Vaccinations

    • Vaccination & Microchipping
  • 8

    Key Socialisation Areas

    • Focus Areas
  • 9

    Useful Tutorials & PDF's

    • Steps of Fear

    • How to approach a dog PDF

    • Where to pet your dog

    • Be a stone PDF

    • Be a tree PDF

    • Car Training

    • Crate Training

    • Dog Body Language

    • Sleep and Processing

    • Managing Arousal Levels

    • Puppy Play Consent Test

    • Recall

    • Separation Anxiety

    • Resource Guarding Prevention
  • 10

    Introducing puppies to new stimulus

    • How to safeguard puppies through socialisation....
  • 11

    Puppy Classes and Socials

    • Puppy Classes and Socials

    • Equipment for Classes
  • 12

    Trainer Vs Behaviourist

    • What is the difference?
  • 13

    Any questions?

    • That is it...you are DONE! Well almost!
Qualification Number: 610/0973/8 Level: Level 2 Sector Subject Area: Animal care and veterinary science Total Credits: 1 Guided Learning Hours: 7 Total Qualification Time: 10 Assessment Method: Portfolio of Evidence

Additional benefits of taking this course with Pupstarts Breeders

  • Exclusive access to our private member’s community

  • Weekly lives, Q&A sessions, discussion threads and supportive peers

  • Pre-approved admission to our Ambassador program

FAQ

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is for both experience animal care professionals such as dog breeders, trainers, walkers and groomers as well as for owners. Anybody who has contact with puppies and young dogs will benefit from learning about how to socialise puppies effectively.

  • How is this course delivered?

    This course is delivered via a combination of home study and live online assessment sessions. You will be supported by your tutor and given the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on any elements of the course you need additional help with.

  • How long will it take me to complete the course?

    The time this course takes to complete will vary from student to student. As a guide, we anticipate approx 7 hours of guided learning and a total qualification time of 10 hours.

  • How are students assessed?

    Assessment for the Level 2 award in principles of puppy socialisation will be completed with your tutor. To qualify, you need to complete the units and produce a portfolio of evidence which you will be guided and supported on.

  • I already socialise my puppies, do I need this course?

    There are many misconceptions around the successful socialisation of puppies and dogs. This course will equip you with evidence-based socialisation methods that eliminate common mistakes and sets you and your pups up for success.