This course offers a way to structure, train, track and assess your dog's journey through socialisation and early years exposure. By allowing your dog to engage with different situations, you can help create a well-rounded and confident dog.

We encourage you to purchase the basic level prior to bringing your pup home so that you have the knowledge to start this important phase immediately. 

Sign up available: Any time

Study mode: Online

Training method: Written instructions for each activity. 1:1 help with training is not included. 

Assessment method: Written worksheets

Award: Certificate and rosette (shipment included) 

Basic - This is the initial exposure of the basic situations and experiences a dog is likely to encounter around the home. It is aimed at puppies aged 2-3 months but is suitable for all dogs. Units covered:

Training

• What is socialisation
• Canine communication
• Socialisation techniques
• Top tips

Exposure

• Husbandry
• People
• Play
• Rewards and markers
• Situations
• Sounds
• Surfaces

Entry requirements: none

Intermediate - This next level starts to explore further from the home into the local area. It is aimed at puppies aged 3-5 months but is suitable for all dogs. Aim to work on this level as soon as possible after completion of initial vaccinations. Units covered:

Training

• Fear and fear periods
• Resocialisation after trauma
• Socialisation of adults
• Perception
• Brain and body
• Behaviour choices
• Socialisation of rescues

Exposure

• Animals
• Husbandry
• People
• Places
• Situations
• Surfaces
• Transport

Entry requirements:

• Basic Exposure certificate

Advanced - Finally this is where you start to explore further afield. This level is aimed at puppies aged 5-8 months but is suitable for all dogs. Provisions are in place for those who struggle to travel. Units covered:

Training

• Understanding the importance of socialisation on puppy development
• Habituation and sensitisation
• Classical conditioning
• Conditioned emotional response
• Desensitisation
• Counter conditioning

Exposure

• Beach
• Campsite
• City
• Countryside
• Events
• Town/Village
• Transport

Entry requirements:

• Intermediate Exposure certificate

Assistance Dog - This is specifically for working Assistance Dogs to ensure they are comfortable working in a range of situations. Units covered:

Exposure

• Indoor working environments
• Outdoor working environments
• Special working environments

Entry requirements:

• none, but please ensure that your dog is confidently working prior to taking them into public places.