Socialisation or Training - what matters?

This blog explores why socialisation is just as important as training—and how finding the right balance is key to raising a happy, well-adjusted dog.

You’ve probably already taught your puppy to sit, and maybe even stay. But what happens when a cyclist whizzes by, or they meet a bouncy Labrador in the park? Puppyhood isn’t just about following cues, it’s about helping your dog feel safe, confident, and curious about the world around them.

That’s where thoughtful socialisation comes in. While training teaches puppies what to do, socialisation helps them understand how to be. When both are done right, and in balance, you’re laying the groundwork for a dog who not only understands how to behave appropriately, but is also well-adjusted in all sorts of situations.

In this blog, we’ll look at why socialisation is just as important as training, the common mistakes puppy guardians often make, and how our carefully designed puppy classes help you get it right from the very beginning.

Why Early Puppy Socialisation Matters

When people hear “socialisation,” they often picture a chaotic scene of puppies tumbling over each other. But good socialisation isn’t about letting your pup run wild—it’s about purposeful, positive experiences that help shape how they see the world.

The early weeks and months of a puppy’s life are critical. This is when they’re forming lasting impressions about people, places, and situations. Exposing them gently and consistently to different environments, surfaces, sounds, people, and dogs helps prevent fear-based behaviours later on.

Here’s what thoughtful socialisation includes:

Meeting different types of people (children, people with hats, wheelchairs, beards, etc.)
Experiencing everyday sounds like traffic, hoovers, and doorbells
Exploring various textures like grass, concrete, or slippery floors
Having calm interactions with other dogs and animals

But it’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about creating positive, calm experiences where your puppy feels safe and in control. Rushed or chaotic socialisation can do more harm than good, overwhelming a puppy can lead to anxiety or reactivity down the line.

An all-too-common mistake is thinking more is better. Some owners flood their puppy with new experiences, hoping to “get it all done” in the socialisation window. In reality, it’s about quality over quantity—small, positive exposures that build trust and confidence.

Start small. Let your puppy observe before interacting. If they’re nervous, don’t push them—just being nearby and watching is still learning. Use treats, praise, and patience to build positive associations.

The Role of Training in Early Development

Training is often the first thing puppy guardians focus on—and it’s easy to see why. Teaching your pup to sit, come when called, and walk nicely on a lead makes everyday life easier. But while those skills are important, they’re only one piece of the puzzle.

Good training is about building communication and connection between you and your dog. It gives your puppy the tools to understand what’s expected of them—and how to succeed. That sense of clarity helps reduce frustration and boosts confidence.

But here’s the key: training shouldn’t come at the expense of emotional wellbeing. A puppy who can perform a perfect sit in class but panics when walking next to a road isn’t truly ready for the real world.

In our view, early training should feel like a conversation, not a test. Puppies should learn:

That it’s okay to make mistakes
That working with their human is fun, not pressure-filled
That being calm and attentive is just as rewarding as performing tricks

Instead of asking, “Can my puppy do this command?” try asking, “How does my puppy feel while doing it?” Look for signs of relaxed engagement—soft body language, wagging tails, and curious sniffing. These are all signs your puppy is learning and enjoying the process.

What Balanced Puppy Development Looks Like

A well-rounded puppy isn’t just one who can sit politely or recall on cue, they’re a dog who can cope with life. They can handle surprises, settle in new places, and meet people and dogs calmly. This kind of confidence doesn’t come from training alone—it comes from a balanced approach that blends skill-building with emotional support.

Think of it like this: training shapes behaviour, but socialisation shapes temperament. When those two things grow together, you get a puppy who’s not only attentive, but emotionally resilient too.

What does this balance look like in real life?

A puppy who can follow basic cues and greet another dog appropriately.
One who can explore new spaces and return to their person when called.
A pup who can settle under a café table, and stay relaxed when a loud noise occurs nearby.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. Real life is unpredictable, so we need to raise dogs who can adapt and recover, not just follow commands.

And balance also means knowing when not to push. Sometimes, the most powerful learning happens when a puppy is simply allowed to observe. Standing at the edge of a park, watching dogs play, can be just as valuable as being in the middle of it.

Give your puppy variety in their experiences, but always on their terms. Follow their pace. Celebrate the small wins, like choosing to check in with you during a walk, or calmly sitting near other dogs without needing to join in.

How Our Puppy Classes Support Socialisation and Training

At our core, we believe that a well-balanced puppy is far more desirable, than a perfectly trained one. That’s why our puppy classes are designed to do more than just teach “sit” and “stay.” We create a nurturing environment where your puppy can grow in confidence and capability, at their own pace.

Each session is carefully planned to give your puppy:

Positive, low-pressure social experiences with other puppies and people
Foundational training skills like lead walking, recall, and calm behaviour
Exposure to new sights, sounds, and surfaces to build real-world resilience
Plenty of rest breaks so they don’t become overwhelmed or overstimulated

We don't believe in fast-tracking obedience at the expense of emotional development. Instead, we focus on the long game: helping you raise a dog who feels safe, seen, and supported—both in training and in life.

We’ve seen countless puppies flourish in this balanced approach. Like Luna, a nervous little spaniel who started class too shy to leave her owner’s side. Over the weeks, with gentle encouragement and structured activities, she blossomed—learning to play, train, and even settle quietly around others. Now she’s not only able to follow cues with confidence, she’s brave also.

If you’re searching for a puppy class, look beyond the training checklist. Ask: How does this class help my puppy feel confident? Safe? Calm? That’s the real foundation of good behaviour.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to raise a puppy who listens—it’s to raise a puppy who thrives. One who feels safe in the world, trusts their human, and can handle life’s ups and downs with curiosity and calm.

Training matters, absolutely. But finding the balance between socialisation and training is the greatest gift you can give your puppy—and yourself.

Ready to give your puppy the best possible start?
Join one of our carefully planned puppy classes, where your dog will build real-life skills and real-world confidence in a safe, supportive setting.

Spaces are limited—book your place today and let’s build a balanced beginning, together.