How You Help Your Dog Get Used to New Things: Type Diagnosis (Practice)

Answer the questions to find out which type you are.

• 01

  The Start-from-a-Distance Type

  You are the type who first lets your dog meet something new from a distance, then brings it closer bit by bit while checking their reaction. The AKC describes starting at a low level with things a dog finds hard and building up gradually, and its example also starts from a distance. An easy next step is deciding in advance how you will tell it is fine to close the distance. The AKC says to keep your dog's emotional response low, only closing the distance when your dog is looking forward to the treat. The easy thing to miss is the moment your dog seems to be getting used to it. Just avoid moving much closer all at once. In the AKC article's example, the dog is moved closer only a little at a time, and steps up only once it is clear the dog has learned that the thing predicts good things. The AKC notes that even with an adult dog, you can still help them link new or worrying situations with good experiences. When a puppy can start going out to new places depends on things such as how far their vaccinations have got, so please check with your veterinary clinic. Blue Cross says to see your vet if your dog's behaviour has changed, and that pain is a common reason for a change in behaviour. If anything about your dog's behaviour, energy, appetite or the way they walk concerns you (including when you are seeing it for the first time, or are not sure whether it is usual), do not put it down to the fact that they seem fine at a distance; talk to a veterinary clinic early. If fear shows strongly, such as growling or trying to bite, do not carry on practising on your own. Talk to a veterinary clinic first, and to a behaviour specialist as well. The AKC also recommends consulting a trainer or behaviour specialist when any aggression, such as biting, is involved, and getting a veterinarian's help with severe fearfulness. Searching for venues by the "spacious seating" and "near a park" conditions makes it easier to find places where you can keep some space from other tables and drop in after a short walk in the park. How roomy the seats are, how they are arranged and which seats allow dogs differ by venue. Even a short outing is plenty. Where dogs are allowed, and on what terms, differs by venue, so please check before you go. Try searching by conditions close to this type. This is a practice-level round in the training and socialisation series, following on from "Your At-Home Practice Style with Your Dog: Beginner" and "Everyday Training Skills Quiz: Practical". Next time we plan a round on the theme of seasons and events. This diagnosis offers a prompt to review how you help your dog get used to new things; it does not judge personality, aptitude or how well anyone looks after their dog. It is not veterinary advice either. Results may vary with your dog's age, the season, how they are on the day, and their surroundings. How a dog shows fear cannot tell you whether they are ill. If anything about your dog's health concerns you, please talk to a veterinary clinic. Parts of this content are based on information published by the following organisations (checked on 3 November 2026). - AKC (American Kennel Club): helping dogs get used to difficult things, socialising puppies and adult dogs - Blue Cross: changes in behaviour and pain

• 02

  The Little-and-Often Type

  You are the type who lets your dog meet something new for short spells, many times over, so they get used to it little by little. In its advice on socialising puppies, Blue Cross says to begin slowly and gradually increase the number of positive encounters. An easy next step is deciding in advance the order in which you will step things up. As an example plan for a dog who finds other dogs hard, the AKC article describes going back to the starting distance once the dog is fine up close, then repeating with added conditions: 'the other dog moves' and 'it makes noise'. The easy thing to miss is a day when things go well. Just hold off on carrying on for longer or piling up several new things while you are on a roll. In its article on puppy socialisation, the AKC says to try to avoid doing too much, too fast. The AKC notes that even with an adult dog, you can still help them link new or worrying situations with good experiences. When a puppy can start going out to new places depends on things such as how far their vaccinations have got, so please check with your veterinary clinic. Blue Cross says to see your vet if your dog's behaviour has changed, and that pain is a common reason for a change in behaviour. If anything about your dog's behaviour, energy, appetite or the way they walk concerns you (including when you are seeing it for the first time, or are not sure whether it is usual), do not put it down to the idea that they will get used to it with practice; talk to a veterinary clinic early. If fear shows strongly, such as growling or trying to bite, do not carry on practising on your own. Talk to a veterinary clinic first, and to a behaviour specialist as well. The AKC also recommends consulting a trainer or behaviour specialist when any aggression, such as biting, is involved, and getting a veterinarian's help with severe fearfulness. Searching for venues by the "cafe" and "lunch" conditions makes it easier to find places to drop in briefly around midday. How busy it gets changes with the day and time, and which seats allow dogs differs by venue. Even a short outing is plenty. Where dogs are allowed, and on what terms, differs by venue, so please check before you go. Try searching by conditions close to this type. This is a practice-level round in the training and socialisation series, following on from "Your At-Home Practice Style with Your Dog: Beginner" and "Everyday Training Skills Quiz: Practical". Next time we plan a round on the theme of seasons and events. This diagnosis offers a prompt to review how you help your dog get used to new things; it does not judge personality, aptitude or how well anyone looks after their dog. It is not veterinary advice either. Results may vary with your dog's age, the season, how they are on the day, and their surroundings. How a dog shows fear cannot tell you whether they are ill. If anything about your dog's health concerns you, please talk to a veterinary clinic. Parts of this content are based on information published by the following organisations (checked on 3 November 2026). - AKC (American Kennel Club): helping dogs get used to difficult things, socialising puppies and adult dogs - Blue Cross: how to socialise a puppy, changes in behaviour and pain

• 03

  The Pair-It-with-Good-Things Type

  You are the type who links anything new straight away with something your dog loves, such as treats or play, to build a good impression. The AKC describes pairing each appearance of a difficult thing with something the dog loves, noting that it is hard for a dog to be scared while anticipating something good. An easy next step is deciding when you will start and stop giving the reward. The AKC article gives an example: when your dog notices the difficult thing, offer something wonderful, and when it is out of sight, put the wonderful thing away too. The easy thing to miss is the moment your dog will not take a treat. Just avoid holding them there by continuing to offer treats. The AKC notes that a dog who is nervous or afraid often will not eat or play. Move away from the difficult thing first, for example by putting more distance between you. Fear is not the only reason a dog may not eat, so if anything about their appetite concerns you, talk to a veterinary clinic early. The AKC notes that even with an adult dog, you can still help them link new or worrying situations with good experiences. When a puppy can start going out to new places depends on things such as how far their vaccinations have got, so please check with your veterinary clinic. Blue Cross says to see your vet if your dog's behaviour has changed, and that pain is a common reason for a change in behaviour. If anything about your dog's behaviour, energy, appetite or the way they walk concerns you (including when you are seeing it for the first time, or are not sure whether it is usual), do not put it down to the fact that they still take treats; talk to a veterinary clinic early. If fear shows strongly, such as growling or trying to bite, do not carry on practising on your own. Talk to a veterinary clinic first, and to a behaviour specialist as well. The AKC also recommends consulting a trainer or behaviour specialist when any aggression, such as biting, is involved, and getting a veterinarian's help with severe fearfulness. Searching for venues by the "covered terrace" and "lush greenery" conditions makes it easier to find places with covered outdoor seating where you can look out over green trees. Whether dogs are allowed on a covered terrace, and what the surroundings are like, differ by venue. Even a short outing is plenty. Where dogs are allowed, and on what terms, differs by venue, so please check before you go. Try searching by conditions close to this type. This is a practice-level round in the training and socialisation series, following on from "Your At-Home Practice Style with Your Dog: Beginner" and "Everyday Training Skills Quiz: Practical". Next time we plan a round on the theme of seasons and events. This diagnosis offers a prompt to review how you help your dog get used to new things; it does not judge personality, aptitude or how well anyone looks after their dog. It is not veterinary advice either. Results may vary with your dog's age, the season, how they are on the day, and their surroundings. How a dog shows fear cannot tell you whether they are ill. If anything about your dog's health concerns you, please talk to a veterinary clinic. Parts of this content are based on information published by the following organisations (checked on 3 November 2026). - AKC (American Kennel Club): helping dogs get used to difficult things, socialising puppies and adult dogs - Blue Cross: changes in behaviour and pain

• 04

  The Dog's-Own-Pace Type

  You are the type who leaves it to your dog, as far as possible, to decide whether to approach something new, and waits for them to make the move. In its advice on socialising puppies, Blue Cross says puppies should always be able to approach in their own time and move away if they want to. An easy next step is to count it as progress when your dog spends time in the same room as a new person without showing signs of fear, even if they never get as far as saying hello. For dogs who are afraid of strangers, the AKC says they can build confidence just by being near people without having to interact. The easy thing to miss is the moment your dog is quiet. Just avoid deciding they are fine because they are not lunging or trying to escape. As subtler signs of tension or fear, the AKC lists a stiff body, yawning, lip licking and hard, fixed eyes. The AKC notes that even with an adult dog, you can still help them link new or worrying situations with good experiences. When a puppy can start going out to new places depends on things such as how far their vaccinations have got, so please check with your veterinary clinic. Blue Cross says to see your vet if your dog's behaviour has changed, and that pain is a common reason for a change in behaviour. If anything about your dog's behaviour, energy, appetite or the way they walk concerns you (including when you are seeing it for the first time, or are not sure whether it is usual), do not put it down to a timid personality; talk to a veterinary clinic early. If fear shows strongly, such as growling or trying to bite, do not carry on practising on your own. Talk to a veterinary clinic first, and to a behaviour specialist as well. The AKC also recommends consulting a trainer or behaviour specialist when any aggression, such as biting, is involved, and getting a veterinarian's help with severe fearfulness. Searching for venues by the "hideaway" and "detached house" conditions gives you a clue to places with a calm atmosphere. How many people come and go and how the seats are arranged differ by venue, and crowds also change with the day and time. Even a short outing is plenty. Where dogs are allowed, and on what terms, differs by venue, so please check before you go. Try searching by conditions close to this type. This is a practice-level round in the training and socialisation series, following on from "Your At-Home Practice Style with Your Dog: Beginner" and "Everyday Training Skills Quiz: Practical". Next time we plan a round on the theme of seasons and events. This diagnosis offers a prompt to review how you help your dog get used to new things; it does not judge personality, aptitude or how well anyone looks after their dog. It is not veterinary advice either. Results may vary with your dog's age, the season, how they are on the day, and their surroundings. How a dog shows fear cannot tell you whether they are ill. If anything about your dog's health concerns you, please talk to a veterinary clinic. Parts of this content are based on information published by the following organisations (checked on 3 November 2026). - AKC (American Kennel Club): helping dogs get used to difficult things, helping dogs who fear strangers, socialising puppies and adult dogs - Blue Cross: how to socialise a puppy, changes in behaviour and pain