Puppy Socialisation Through an Enrichment Lens: Bonding vs Meeting

Why over-socialising is the mistake nobody warns you about

Every new puppy owner wants the same thing: a friendly, well-rounded dog who's happy around everyone. The instinct that follows is to socialise as much as possible, so we see plenty of dogs and owners who've socialised in the wrong way without realising it, and it genuinely affects the relationship you build with your dog.

Why incorrect socialisation happens

Most new owners have done their research and know socialisation matters, but there's so much advice out there that it's hard to cut through, and it's easy to land on "any socialisation is good socialisation." A friendly dog is still important, but it has to be built the right way, so that socialising and having fun aren't the only things driving your dog. Your dog should still be able to focus on you and come when called, even in a social situation with plenty of distractions.

How this shows up later

We often hear from owners of dogs between six and twelve months old who say their puppy used to listen and now doesn't. Usually this is because the dog has been inadvertently taught to focus on socialising itself, not on its owner. This happens when owners let puppies play with random dogs in the park because it seems like good socialisation, without realising what it teaches: later on, the dog runs off to play with whoever's around, exactly as it was encouraged to do as a puppy, and ends up never being trusted off the lead. With improved training this can usually be corrected while the puppy is still young.

Socialising versus bonding

The key distinction is between the people and dogs your puppy should bond with, and everyone else they simply socialise with. Bonding is for family, friends, and any dogs they'll see regularly, playing and building genuine positive associations. For everyone else, a strangers at the park, dogs they'll likely never see again, a friendly greeting or a quick sniff is enough. If a puppy is allowed to bond and play freely with dogs and people they'll never see again, they learn that it's fine to play with anyone they meet, including ignoring an owner calling them back.

Other situations worth exposing your puppy to

Socialisation isn't only about meeting people and dogs. Puppies also benefit from early, calm exposure to things like cars, buses, trains and train stations, wheelchairs, high-vis jackets, and people with beards or hats, so nothing catches them off guard later. It also helps to introduce them to more reserved, stand-offish dogs, so they learn not every dog wants to play.

Getting the right support

The aim throughout is for you to stay the centre of your dog's world, so they come back when called wherever you are, whether that's the park, the train, or a coffee shop. See also our guide on how to socialise your puppy. Get in touch if you'd like guidance tailored to your puppy's stage. Learn more about our puppy training programme and our social enrichment hub. Also see Royvon's Puppy Training Philosophy: An Enrichment-Led Approach.