Printing Policy 11.20: Puppy Socialisation & Habituation Policy on its own.
Policy 11.20 — Eddie's Doggy Daycare, Paddock Farm, Harlow, Essex CM17 9HP
Puppy Socialisation & Habituation Policy
Document Control
Document Ref: EDDC-POL-026 | Category: Dog Welfare | Version: 1.0 Effective Date: October 2025 | Review Date: October 2026 | Owner: Edward Kirwan
Puppy Socialisation & Habituation Policy
Purpose
During a puppy's early development they learn most readily about dogs, other animals, and humans they come into contact with. A lack of appropriate socialisation during this period is a major risk factor for the development of behavioural disorders later in life — in particular those associated with fear and/or anxiety, including aggression towards unfamiliar people. This policy sets out how Eddie's Doggy Daycare delivers structured socialisation and habituation for every puppy in our care, to give each one the best chance of developing into a well-adjusted, happy, and healthy adult dog.
1. Scope — The Pup Academy
All puppies attending Eddie's Doggy Daycare under 1 year of age are placed into our dedicated Pup Academy. The Academy is built around the S.M.A.R.T Pup framework — Socialisation, Monitoring, Attention, Routine, and Training.
2. S — Socialisation
We believe puppies must socialise as early as possible. In our specially designed Pup Academy area, puppies engage in safe puppy play monitored and controlled by a dedicated puppy handler. They mix not only with other pups in the Academy but with a variety of staff.
Socialisation is guided so that every experience is fun and positive. Once we are comfortable with the puppy's development, we gradually introduce them to older dogs and a wider range of experiences. Puppies become habituated to a variety of noises, objects, people, and activities in their environment.
3. M — Monitoring
A dedicated puppy handler monitors and supervises the puppies' experiences throughout the entire day. Behaviour is observed continuously to ensure development is progressing correctly. Puppies are exposed to staff of both sexes, of different ages and appearances, and are given the chance to explore a variety of environments.
We encourage two-way communication with owners at the puppy stage. Many puppies attend evening training classes; understanding which stage of training they are at allows us to mirror and reinforce that learning during their daycare day.
4. A — Attention
Constant attention is paid to each puppy's needs whilst in the Academy. A rich environment and stimulation are essential, but so is recognising when a puppy needs rest, which is provided in our dedicated indoor area.
Puppy Crating Rule
Puppies are never crated unless it is part of their established routine at home and agreed in writing with the owner, and unless they are being fed. No puppy is crated for longer than one hour in any continuous period. Times in and out of the crate are monitored to ensure this rule is never breached.
Lunchtime feeds are provided to maintain each puppy's dietary requirements. All pups have access to raised beds and bedding for added comfort.
5. R — Routine
Puppies thrive on routine. A consistent schedule is essential to keep a pup healthy and to establish good behavioural patterns. The Pup Academy day is structured around:
- Correct play
- Mental stimulation activities
- Human and dog interactions
- Rest time
- Feeding times
- Basic command training
Establishing early routines gives these puppies the best chance to grow into the most confident, balanced adult dogs they can be. We also recommend (in line with RSPCA guidance) that owners give puppies some alone time when they leave for work, to support the development of solo time skills and reduce separation-related behaviours.
6. T — Training
The Pup Academy is dedicated to puppy training. Rules are essential for every pup, and our training is based on positive reinforcement — rewarding desired behaviours and ignoring unwanted ones. Training begins from the moment we collect the pup in the morning (familiarisation with people entering the home, lead walking, transport) and continues until they are dropped home.
Core focus areas include:
- Basic obedience commands
- Corrective play
- Discovering surroundings in a safe environment
- Confidence-building skills
7. Puppy Feeding
As part of the Pup Academy, puppies are given dedicated downtime to be fed. The full feeding protocol is governed by the Diet & Hygiene Policy (EDDC-POL-006) and recorded on the Lunch Monitoring Form (EDDC-POL-008). Only puppies are fed at daycare; adult dogs are not.
8. Introduction to the Main Group
It is not enough for puppies to mix only with other puppies. On walks and in the park, puppies will encounter all breeds, sizes, ages, and personalities. We give puppies a head start by building their confidence for these encounters.
Before mixing puppies with older dogs, introductions are gradual and consider the puppy's size and confidence — conducted in much the same way as an initial assessment so the pup is not overwhelmed. The guiding principle remains: all encounters must be positive ones. Behaviour during integration with the older group is monitored and reported back to the owner.
9. The Three Levels of Play
Behaviour of puppies and dogs is continuously assessed against three levels of play:
| Level | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Appropriate | Balanced and reciprocated. Relaxed body language, fluidity in movement. 50:50 to 60:40 balance. | Play bows, turning, hip-bumping, role reversal |
| 2. Questionable | Body language more rigid, intense vocalisations emerging, dog may run away or default to humans. | Tension, gaze avoidance, wide eyes, tense lips/ears, stalking behaviour |
| 3. Inappropriate | Biting and grabbing, signs of over-arousal. Self-soothing or intent signals. | Humping (by either sex), air snaps, body slamming, pinning, group crowding |
Owner Communication
Customers are kept informed: on the first instance of Level 2 play, and again if behaviour reaches Level 3. Where Level 3 behaviour is observed, actions to rectify it — such as a referral to a behaviourist, or neutering under the Neutering & Spaying Policy (EDDC-POL-021) — are discussed with the customer before the dog can return to daycare.
10. Cross-References
- Diet & Hygiene Policy (EDDC-POL-006) — puppy feeding protocol
- Lunch Monitoring Form (EDDC-POL-008) — feed-by-feed recording
- Welfare Monitoring Form (EDDC-POL-009) — hourly welfare checks
- Neutering & Spaying Policy (EDDC-POL-021) — Traffic Light System
- Section 4.5.3 — Puppy Care & Socialisation SOP
Authorised By
Edward Kirwan — Owner & Company Director, Eddie's Doggy Daycare Limited Document Ref: EDDC-POL-026
Crate Use and Mixing with Adult Dogs
- No dog, puppy or adult, is crated for more than 1 hour in any 8-hour period, and only where crating is part of that dog's normal routine and the owner has given written consent.
- Written owner consent must be held before any dog under 12 months mixes with adult dogs. Consent is recorded on ProPet against the dog's record and is reviewed at the 12-month transition.
- Puppies are assessed individually first, introduced to calm, tolerant adult dogs in a small group, and supervised one-to-one throughout the first sessions.
Read and understood — staff name & signature
Date