The first few months in a puppy’s life are crucial.   A puppy is like a blank piece of paper - what you put there is up to you.  The right kind of socialising is extremely important.  Before his vaccinations are complete you can take him to the local shops and just hold him in your arms (away from other dogs) and he will love the fuss strangers will want to make - and soon get used to passing traffic, talk to him in a calm voice, so that he knows you are there but not in a tone that he thinks that there is something he should be scared of.  Take them out in the car and carry them around (until they are fully vaccinated – approx 10 - 12 weeks) and let them experience all the sights and sounds.  Things like: Lorry air brakes, horses (very important if you don’t want them to get kicked after chasing a horse) children, busy roads. 

Once his jabs are complete, take him anywhere you know they like dogs; don’t foist him onto people who don’t like dogs, that’s unfair to both.  Go to all public places; outside the supermarket where there are noisy trolleys, bikes, screaming babies, traffic and people; or the school-gate is a good place and children will learn not to be afraid of him, when he is much bigger.  Don’t leave him tied up anywhere while you shop.

It is very important to socialise your new puppy to lots of different sounds, sights and smells. 

Many things can be very frightening when you are only a foot off the ground, so if they have seen them before then they may not be so scared.  Always reassure them if you feel them tense up – Boxers by nature are happy, bouncy dogs and enjoy life, they should not be timid, cowering dogs.  If your vets have a puppy club then go and have fun, the puppies will love it and it is lovely to see them all playing together.

We always try to show the puppies as many things as possible and take them on car rides.  As we raise them in the house and with children they are pretty well use to most house noises when they leave.