# Socialisation

## Socialisation: Keeping it Positive

{% embed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPGd7ElMCJ8" %}

This video beautifully sums up the importance of socialising our puppies to a wide range of positive experiences, social and environmental. Quantity is nice, but quality is crucial. If you're ever in doubt as to whether a potential socialisation experience would be beneficial for your puppy, err on the side of skipping it. For example, generally do not allow unknown dogs or small children to interact with your puppy, instead scheduling visits with dogs you know to be medically and socially healthy, and with children you know to be amenable to instruction on proper puppy handling.

## Socialisation: Play Dates

Good manners are not just for the classroom! Every play date with your puppy will reinforce behaviour, so make it the behaviours you want.

1. Prepare treats and, if applicable, clicker in your hand before your arrival.
2. Enter the play area calmly, with your puppy on a loose leash.
3. Immediately begin playing the [Attention Game](attention-game).
4. Once all puppies satisfy the greeting criteria - **loose leash, calm demeanour, and focus on the handler** - remove your puppy’s leash and say “go play” or a consistent cue of your choice.
5. Monitor play for safety and appropriate behaviour.
6. Occasionally interrupt play for brief, high-value snacks, resulting in puppies who love collar grabs and eventually recalls, even from the midst of a rowdy play session.
7. Halfway through the session, interrupt, jackpot reward with 5-10 tiny treats in succession, and take them for a 5-minute leash walk together, allowing 3-second sniffs while on loose leashes.
8. After recess, repeat.
