When we think about raising a happy, wellbehaved dog, we often focus on training, exercise, and diet. But there’s another key ingredient that’s just as important, and often overlooked: sleep. Just like in humans, your dog’s sleep patterns profoundly affect their mood, ability to learn, and emotional resilience.

What goes into your puppy doesn’t just shape their body, it shapes their mood, their ability to learn, and their behaviour.

When people think of socialising a puppy, they often imagine busy playdates, strangers patting their dog on the street, or letting them meet every dog they see. But real socialisation isn’t about constant excitement or forced interaction, it’s about neutral, low pressure exposure to the world they’ll live in. 

When we consistently show up as calm, clear, and attuned guides, dogs learn how to recover from stress and settle themselves. If we are passive about providing guidance, they’re left to flounder, or punished unfairly. Or if we also become dysregulated, they are flooded with stimuli and their nervous system can remain stuck in a cycle of overarousal or shutdown.

From unpredictable behavior to health concerns, there are safer and more effective alternatives for socialising your dog and meeting other dog lovers.