The 13 Critical Weeks
Setting Your Puppy Up for Success
As a Puppy School Coordinator, my passion lies in puppy development and behaviour. Socialisation is the foundation — the key to raising a confident, loyal companion for life.
“I took him everywhere...” But was it enough?
Recently, my sister asked me why her six-year-old Staffy mix, raised from eight weeks old, was suddenly becoming aggressive.
When I asked about his socialisation as a pup, she said, “I took him everywhere with me.”
But when I dug deeper, she admitted, “He was just with me, doing whatever I had to do.”
This is a common response — and a common misunderstanding. Simply being around people, noises, or places does not equal effective socialisation.
The Critical Socialisation Window:
3–16 Weeks
Puppies respond best to new experiences when exposed to them early in life — ideally between 3 and 16 weeks of age. Each experience must be positive to be effective.
Praise and treat your puppy every time they look at, sniff, or interact with a new object, person, or animal. If they show uncertainty — freeze, cower, or seem fearful — stop. Create distance, allow them to observe safely, and try again later.
Your puppy will tell you when they're ready. Patience and persistence are key. Always end each session with a success — from the puppy’s perspective.
See the World Through Puppy Eyes
Imagine the world as your puppy sees it:
The food processor? A loud, ferocious monster.
Floorboards? Slippery and scary compared to the comfy carpet.
The postie’s hat? Suspicious at best!
These everyday things might seem harmless to you, but your puppy doesn’t know that yet. That’s where intentional socialisation comes in.
How to Build Confidence:
Start at a distance from the scary object or situation.
Use a happy tone and confident body language.
Encourage your pup with treats and praise — even a glance or sniff deserves recognition!
Set Your Puppy Up for Success
From 8 weeks onward, allow your puppy to explore and interact with a variety of:
Animals (cats, birds, farm animals, other CALM dogs, reptiles, rabbits and more)
People (including children, men with beards, people with hats, etc.)
Surfaces/Substrates (carpet, tile, grass, gravel, etc.)
Environments (indoors, parks, streets, vet clinics)
Sounds (doorbells, traffic, vacuums, thunder recordings)
Equipment (leashes, crates, grooming tools)
Create safe, calm, and positive experiences. Your puppy looks to you for reassurance and guidance — your body language matters just as much as theirs.
Watch their signals closely:
Eyes (widened or darting?)
Ears (pinned, perked, or neutral?)
Lips (tense, licking, or relaxed?)
Head & Tail (low, tucked, raised?)
Overall Posture (stiff, crouched, or bouncy?)
Why Enrol in a Puppy School?
Puppy classes offer a safe, structured environment for socialisation and learning, guided by experienced professionals. You’ll also gain the skills and confidence to continue this crucial work at home and out in the world.
Quick Tips to Remember:
Puppies are in a critical learning period — everything sticks!
Only take your puppy into public areas after their final vaccination, allowing 10–14 days for immunity to develop.
Use lots of treats to create positive associations. You can reduce treats once your pup gains confidence.
Treats should be pea-sized and factored into daily food allowance.
Body language speaks volumes. If you're unsure what your puppy is saying, chat with your vet or trainer.
Enjoy the Process!
Have fun and play games that encourage learning.
Stimulate both mind and body — a tired puppy is a happy puppy.
These early weeks set the tone for the rest of your dog’s life. You’ve got this — and your puppy is counting on you!