Socialisation needs to start before puppy classes though as does training to be fair. I've never been to a puppy party so can't comment, never had a timid dog either. Getting familiar with as many things as possible is the key both in the house and outside. Let them see people riding bikes, jogging etc, get them used to the noise of motorbikes and fireworks etc. try to be matter of fact about it all, no molly coddling when a car back fire or a firework makes them jump, maintain a happy voice at all times, yes you'll feel stupid but it soon becomes second nature to act daft when you have a dog.

This might help. It is something we hand out to our new puppy owners that come to our classes.

Socialising your Puppy

Introduce your puppy to as many different stimuli as possible, as well as taking them to a puppy class.
1. People of different appearance to those encountered in the home.
2. People of both sexes.
3. People in uniform.
4. People carrying objects, different shapes and sizes. Umbrellas.
5. People of a variety of ages and ethnic groups.
6. Fast moving people and objects such as dustbins, post boxes etc
7. People in wheelchairs and children in pushchairs. People on crutches.
8. Animals: varying sizes of friendly dogs, cats, livestock, other domestic pets.
9. Different environments: lifts, cars, buses, trains.
10. Different surfaces: carpet, lino, wooden floors, grass, water, wooden footbridges.
11. Walking while carrying near traffic and over railway crossings, crowded places.
12. Noises: fireworks, loud music, screaming children, lawn mowers, vacuums, brooms.

When introducing the puppy to the different types of people introduce them face to face, through glass and with daylight behind them in that order. Glass will distort the persons’ features. Daylight behind them will make it harder for the pup to see them. This will prevent them from being frightened at a later date when out walking towards the sun.

Thanks very much for the advice. I am definitely planning on taking her to training. Is it best to start a training course as soon as she has finished her vaccination course? Or is a little older better?

In my experience the younger the better. I start walking them out a week after their last vax and once I've got them walking in a straight line so to speak,then I take them to puppy class

Great thankyou all x

Go along and watch a class before joining, without the pup. You can concentrate better then and see if you like the classes that are run. If in doubt walk out. If they say you can't watch then stear clear. A registered training club is not necessarily the best. Good Luck and enjoy your pup.