Puppy Parties at Bents Garden & Home near Warrington in Cheshire are proving to be a big hit with pet owners.

"For an impressionable young puppy, early socialisation with other young dogs can help influence its behaviour as it grows into an adult," says Anna Ellam, of Bents. "So on the last Thursday of every month, The Pet Place at Bents Garden & Home will be hosting Puppy Parties – an opportunity for puppies and their owners to get together and socialise with each other in a safe and welcoming environment."

The Puppy Parties, which are being run by Tyldesley Veterinary Centre, provide an opportunity to help educate, habituate and familiarise puppies.

The parties last for an hour and are split into two halves with the first 30 minutes dedicated to a topic related to puppy development, in a talk delivered by an expert in their field, and the second half providing an opportunity for puppies - and their owners - to socialise and get to know each other.

"It is strongly believed that introducing a puppy to certain situations during the first few weeks of its life can help it become a well balanced adult dog," adds Anna. "After a certain point the introduction of new experiences and unfamiliar situations can be disruptive and quite stressful so events such as these puppy parties can be very beneficial in the development of a new puppy.

"At The Pet Place we aim to provide a safe, friendly and welcoming environment where young pups can get together with their owners and learn to socialise with each other whilst owners will also learn and benefit from the topics being discussed."

Puppies attending the parties must be between 11 weeks and 6 months of age and must have had all their vaccinations. Fully qualified vets are in attendance at the Pet Place every Thursday (8.30am-5.30 pm) and Sunday (10.30am-4.30pm), providing a vaccination and micro-chipping service.