Puppy Socialization: A Quick Guide
Puppy socialization! You’ve probably heard of it, but what does it actually entail? First, let’s talk about what socialization actually is!
Socialization means exposing puppies to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and environments -- and making each exposure a positive experience.
Between 3 and 12 weeks of age is the “golden” period for socialization -- basically, it’s when your puppy is most likely to form lasting impressions of the world around her.
What your puppy experiences during this period of time can have a big impact on her later in life. For example, if she has good, safe experiences with kids during this period, she will be more likely to be comfortable around children as an adult dog.
Likewise, if she has a scary experience with kids during this period, OR no experience at all with kids, she may be frightened of children as an adult dog.
That “golden period” for socialization does coincide with the period before your puppy is fully vaccinated. To protect your puppy in public places, you can carry her in a sling or even push her in a stroller. Luckily, your puppy doesn’t always need to be part of all the action in order to form positive impressions of other dogs, people, sights and sounds, et cetera!
Keep it calm, positive, and low pressure!
Safe socialization does not mean bringing your puppy to the dog park and letting her loose. You want your puppy to have calm, positive, controlled experiences that aren’t overwhelming or scary, which dog parks often can be for young puppies.
Even simply sitting on a park bench with your puppy and watching other dogs and people go by, giving treats whenever your puppy sees something novel (strollers, bicycles, other dogs), can have a big impact.
You can (and should!) still safely expose your puppy to new experiences once she is past 12 weeks old. It’s just that from 3 to 12 weeks, puppies are extra impressionable. It’s easier then to make a positive experience stick.
Remember to be generous with treats when you are exposing your puppy to new things. Be sure to give treats BEFORE your puppy appears afraid. You want to be absolutely sure she has a happy, fun, positive experience! Use small, bite-sized treats that she finds extra tasty, but that won’t upset her stomach if she has a bunch.
Please note this is just a very, very basic intro to socialization! There’s only so much that can be covered in a brief blog post. ;) For more in-depth help with your puppy, reach out about our virtual or in-person sessions! I absolutely love helping puppy guardians get started off on the right foot.