Socialisation. This is actually one of the most important topics in dog breeding — because people often talk endlessly about genetics, but forget that temperament is shaped not only by inheritance, but also by experience during the very first weeks of life.

A well-adjusted puppy is rarely an accident.

Good genetics absolutely matter. But many timid, overly sensitive or excessively chaotic puppies can be guided toward a much more stable and confident temperament through correct handling from the very beginning of life.

In my opinion, puppies should be gently handled from birth.

Even before their eyes and ears open, they should begin learning that human contact is a completely natural part of life. Daily weighing, health checks, touching paws and mouths, nail trimming, cleaning, helping the mother if needed — all of these small interactions help build trust, tolerance and comfort around people.

Dogs no longer live in a natural canine pack structure. They live with us. And during those first critical weeks, we begin shaping the habits and associations that later help create not just a beautiful dog, but a true companion.

As a breeder, I try to expose puppies to as many positive experiences as possible in an age-appropriate and safe way.

I want them to:

• enjoy human handling,

• recognise different people and animals as normal,

• explore different textures and surfaces,

• be carried,

• follow human movement,

• associate people with comfort, food and safety.

My puppies experience a variety of surfaces and sensations:

• slippery,

• rough,

• soft,

• hard,

• smooth,

• textured,

• warm,

• cool,

• dry,

• damp.

This may sound simple, but these early experiences matter enormously. Puppies who never experience the world during critical developmental periods often grow into dogs who find novelty frightening later in life.

Even routine care procedures become part of socialisation. From two weeks of age, our puppies are wormed every two weeks, and this regular gentle handling teaches them that being touched, examined and cared for by humans is normal and safe.

Before leaving for their new homes, my puppies are also exposed to many common parts of everyday life:

• grooming every couple of weeks,

• car rides,

• veterinary visits,

• vacuum cleaners,

• hair dryers,

• household activity and noise.

The goal is not to create a puppy who fears nothing. That would be unrealistic. The goal is to create a puppy who can recover, adapt and continue functioning even when something feels unfamiliar.

At the same time, good early socialisation from the breeder does not mean the work is finished once the puppy goes home. In fact, proper socialisation must continue.

One of the most important developmental stages occurs roughly between 4 and 7–8 months of age, when many puppies go through a natural fear period. Experiences during this stage can strongly influence how they respond to the world as adults.

Ideally, before and during this period, your puppy should safely experience as many normal parts of life as possible:

• different places,

• people,

• sounds,

• smells,

• environments,

• surfaces,

• movement and activity.

From the moment your puppy arrives home, they should begin observing the outside world.

Before the second vaccination, avoid placing them on public ground. Carry them in your arms or in a carrier bag instead. Take them to cafés, Bunnings, shopping areas, parking lots or simply sit and watch the world go by together.

Let them see, hear and smell different cars, people, movement and everyday activity. These experiences are incredibly valuable for building confidence and emotional resilience.

After the second vaccination, puppies can begin walking on safer surfaces, although I still recommend avoiding areas heavily used by unknown dogs, especially places where many dogs toilet.

By the third vaccination, you can usually begin normal walks more confidently.

And please — do not raise your Toy Poodle in isolation simply because you have a large backyard.

Toy Poodles are intelligent, emotionally sensitive and naturally somewhat conservative dogs. Many will initially react cautiously to unfamiliar sounds, people or objects. This is normal.

Do not punish fear, and do not immediately remove the puppy from every uncomfortable situation. Calmly and confidently introduce them to new experiences at a manageable pace.

A puppy who is gently supported through uncertainty gradually learns that the world is safe.

Even simple things at home can help:

• wearing hats,

• bulky jackets,

• carrying umbrellas,

• moving towels or blankets,

• exposing puppies to unusual shapes and movement.

To a young puppy, a person in a cap and a person without one may genuinely appear to be two completely different creatures.

Socialisation is not about overwhelming a puppy.

It is about teaching them, little by little, that the world is something they can safely navigate with trust and confidence.

Because in the end, raising a good dog is not just about producing beauty — it is about helping a puppy grow into a stable, adaptable and emotionally secure companion.