When a puppy is brought to its forever home, not only will it need to be fed, cuddled, played with, and housetrained, but it also needs to learn how to interact with people, other animals, and the outside world. This is where puppy socialization comes in.
Socializing your puppy during the first few months of its life helps prepare it for life and allows it to become accustomed to a variety of sights, smells, sounds and inhabitants (objects, people and other animals) throughout its life.
We explain why puppy socialization is so important and how to do it right.
What is puppy socialization?
The socialization period is when a puppy learns how to become a social member of the canine world, and usually occurs between 3 and 12 weeks of age. During this period, a puppy’s brain is most receptive to introductions and interactions with other dogs of its species.
When socializing a puppy, owners use the socialization period to expose the puppy to as many new experiences as possible. These experiences allow the puppy to adjust to new stimuli and grow into a well-adjusted dog.
Socialization is necessary to help your puppy get used to the following:
-
New sights, sounds and smells
-
Various objects and surfaces
-
People of all ages, sizes and ethnicities
-
The kids
-
Other dogs
-
Other species
Why is puppy socialization important?
Socialization is important because dogs are expected to deal with many stimuli in the modern world. Many dogs live in cities with busy roads and cars, buses and trucks roaring by and honking from all directions. Dogs may encounter fast-moving objects, such as joggers, bicyclists and skateboarders, as well as unusual stationary objects, such as trash cans, statues and inflatable holiday decorations.
Strangers or children may approach your dog and want to pet it, sometimes without permission. Some owners may want to take their dogs outdoors to cafes, pubs or off-leash dog parks. Exposing your pup to these situations early on will help them feel more comfortable facing the same situations in the future.
When socializing a puppy, owners should use the socialization period to give their puppy as many experiences as possible.
Puppies who have not had any experience outside the confines of the home They are fearful and anxious, and will likely grow into fearful, anxious adults with behavioral problems.
When should I socialize my puppy?
The best time to socialize a puppy is between 3 and 12 weeks of age.
Most puppies are adopted into their forever homes at 8-12 weeks of age, so early socialization (3-8 weeks of age) should be done by the breeder, but if the puppy comes from a rescue or shelter, it should be done by the foster parent or shelter staff.
For some puppies, the socialization period can last as long as 16 or even 20 weeks – this period depends on the breed and the individual puppy.
How to socialize a puppy
Before you bring your puppy into the outside world, make sure it is safe. It is not advisable to take your puppy out into public spaces until he is fully vaccinated, as he may be exposed to serious diseases such as parvovirus, leptospirosis and kennel cough.
If your puppy is not yet fully vaccinated, there are workarounds to keep him safe during socialization outings: for example, you can set up a blanket area next to crowded public spaces and have your puppy stay on the blanket.
Only allow your puppy to come into contact with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs. Do not let your puppy walk on the ground in public areas frequented by dogs due to the risk of infection. Instead, transport your puppy in a stroller, sling or carrier.
Consult your veterinarian for advice on keeping your puppy safe while socializing him.
1. Prepare your puppy
Before taking your puppy outside for socialization, you should prepare the appropriate supplies, which include:
2. Provide positive reinforcement
The goal of puppy socialization is to show your puppy that the outside world is an interesting, positive, and fun place. It’s important to make sure your puppy is having fun outside, so give them lots of praise, treats, and affection. If your puppy seems tired or scared, give them a break.
3. Introduce new stimuli slowly
Puppies need to be introduced to new objects and experiences slowly. Stand at a distance where your puppy can observe the stimuli first and enjoy the view without feeling overwhelmed. Watch your puppy’s body language for negative reactions, such as:
If your puppy seems scared or anxious, you may need to move him away from the object. If your puppy is standing with his ears forward, staring at the object, wagging his tail, and moving forward, it’s okay to slowly approach the new object.
If your puppy becomes startled, quickly distract him and redirect his attention to you or the toy – this will reduce the chances that he will become scared or have a negative emotional reaction to the experience.
Remember, you don’t need to give your puppy everything at once, especially in crowded public places. Just a little touching or letting your puppy take a few steps closer to where you want to go will be enough for the first few experiences. Build up these positive experiences gradually, rather than rushing your puppy.
Remember, your puppy doesn’t need to experience everything at once, especially in crowded public places.
4. Refer people
Allow short positive interactions with adults and children. If you don’t know anyone with children, take your puppy to the park and sit him on a blanket near the play area so he can see and hear the children. Do not let anyone else pick up your puppy as this may scare him.
5. Take a puppy socialization class
Once your puppy has been dewormed, tested negative for intestinal parasites and received their first DHPP/DA2PP vaccination, they can attend socialization classes.
In puppy socialization classes, your puppy will be expected to meet and interact with puppies of different breeds, ages and sizes, as well as people and possibly children. The class instructor should introduce your puppy to different walking surfaces, different toys, new objects such as skateboards, wheelchairs, shopping carts, suitcases with wheels and bicycles, and sounds your puppy is likely to hear in everyday life.
Classes last 4-6 weeks and focus on the fundamentals of positive reinforcement training. Classes that use aversive techniques or tools should be avoided. Punitive handling and training methods can increase fear and anxiety and weaken the human-animal bond.
Many puppy socialization classes only meet once a week. The rest of the time, the owner has to work and take the puppy out into the outside world. Puppy owners who are short on time may want to enroll in a second class to give their puppy an additional opportunity to meet new people and other dogs during the short (but important!) socialization period.
6. Create an interaction schedule
Puppies should be socialized at least two to three times a week until they are at least six months old.
Some pet owners make the mistake of spending a lot of time socializing their puppies for the first four months of their lives, then stopping them from participating in activities outside the home. Without repeated and consistent exposure, some puppies may regress or become fearful when they grow up and encounter new situations.
Puppies should continue to be exposed to the same situations into adolescence that they will tolerate as adults, including car rides, elevator rides, walking past groups of people, and hiking trails.
Tips for socializing your puppy
- Take your puppy on short walks during the day and in the evenings around different neighborhoods.
- Expose your puppy to a variety of walking surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, grass, dirt, gravel, sand, and metal plates and grates.
- When walking your puppy, choose areas that are free of stray, sick, or unvaccinated dogs. Sunlight kills the parvovirus, so walking your puppy on clean, dry walks will reduce his risk of contracting the virus. Consult your veterinarian for advice.
- Avoid walking your puppy in dog parks, beaches, and other areas contaminated by dog waste until he has had his final vaccination at 16 weeks of age.
- Make sure your dog sets up playtime with healthy, vaccinated dogs, or in areas with no history of parvovirus infection, such as a backyard.
- Take your puppy to your local park, but don’t let him walk on the grass until he has all his vaccinations. Let him play on a clean blanket on the ground, or have him sit next to you on a blanket on a park bench.
- Introduce your puppy to people of all ages, sizes, heights and ethnicities.
- If your puppy isn’t having fun, discontinue the outing – frightening experiences can have a negative impact on your puppy’s mental and behavioral development.
Featured Image: Brendan von Wahl/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
