Socialisation and lead training tips for new pets

Welcoming a new pet into your home is exciting… and yes, a little overwhelming. Whether you’ve adopted a playful puppy, a senior rescue dog, or a curious cat, those first few days set the tone for the months ahead.

Good socialisation and calm lead training are key to helping your pet feel safe around people, other animals, and the world outside your door.

Quick link:

• Why early socialisation matters
• Helping your pet make new friends
• How to start lead training for your dog
• Can cats learn to walk on a lead too?
• Helping your pet settle in

Why early socialisation matters

Socialisation isn’t just about meeting new people or other pets, it’s about helping your new dog or cat feel safe, calm, and confident in everyday situations.

The positive experiences you give your pet early on can make a big difference and help them avoid fear, stress, and tricky behaviours later.

Positive early experiences can prevent anxiety, fear, and tricky behaviours down the track. For puppies and kittens, a few simple extra tips on training and socialisation can make a huge difference
 

Helping your pet make new friends

Take introductions slowly and calmly to help your pet feel safe and confident as they adjust to their new home.

Meeting children and family members

Start by creating a calm environment where your new pet can meet the family at their own pace. Children should sit or kneel so they feel less intimidating, and all interactions should be supervised.

To help the introduction go smoothly, focus on the essentials:

• Let your pet approach first. This helps both dogs and cats feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
• Encourage gentle touch. Guide kids to stroke along the back and avoid sensitive areas like the face, ears or tail.
• Use toys for shy pets. Cats often prefer play before direct contact, which helps build trust.
• Give them a safe space. A quiet bed, crate or a high perch gives your pet somewhere to go if they need a break.
• Reward calm behaviour. Treats, soft praise or a favourite toy help your pet associate family time with comfort and safety.

Meeting other dogs

Dogs need a slow, controlled introduction to new furry friends:

• Pick a neutral area for the first meeting.
• Keep greetings short and calm, and reward relaxed behaviour.
• If either dog seems tense, give them more space and try again later.

Meeting other cats

Cats usually prefer a slower approach:

• Swap scents first using blankets or toys.
• Let them see each other through a barrier at first.
• Move to short, supervised interactions once both seem curious and calm.

If you have more than one pet, little things can really help when managing your household, such as giving each of them their own cosy spot, keeping routines consistent, and encouraging gentle interactions so everyone feels happy and relaxed.
 

How to start lead training for your dog

Start indoors or in a quiet backyard so your dog can get comfortable with their harness and lead. Let them explore at their own pace before you start walking. Every time your dog walks beside you with a loose lead, give treats and gentle praise as this helps them learn calmly.

If your dog pulls, stop and wait. Once the lead is loose again, keep walking. This teaches them that staying calm moves the walk forward. Keep sessions short and frequent to build confidence and reduce stress.
 

Can cats learn to walk on a lead too?

Some cats enjoy lead training. Start by letting your cat wear a harness indoors until they move comfortably. Attach the lead and encourage slow exploration with treats. Once your cat is confident, take them to a quiet outdoor area for short sessions.

Always follow your cat’s pace. Reward curiosity and calm behaviour. If the cat appears tense or hesitant, return indoors and try again another day.
 

Helping your puppy or kitten settle in

• Give your pet a safe spot. A quiet corner or cozy bed lets them retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
• Keep a predictable routine. Consistent feeding, play, and training helps reduce stress.
• Use gentle, positive methods. Calm introductions and rewards help your dog or cat build confidence and good habits.

Bringing a new pet into your life is one of the most rewarding experiences – and while socialisation and lead training lay the foundation for good behaviour and confidence, being prepared for the unexpected gives you even greater peace of mind.

Petcover provides comprehensive insurance plans tailored for puppies and kittens, offering extensive coverage for accidents, injuries, and illnesses. With Petcover, you can focus on training and building a bond with your young pet, free from the worry of unexpected vet bills. Our flexible policies are designed to protect your furry friend from day one, giving you peace of mind as they grow. Choose Petcover for reliable support when you need it most.

With patience, positive training, and the right support your new companion will thrive into a happy, confident and well-adjusted member of your family.