Puppy Socialization: Why and How

Puppy Socialization is a window of 
opportunity and when it shuts,
​be sure it doesn't slam!

Puppy Socialization

What does it mean to socialize your puppy and why is it so important?

Here's the nitty gritty of socialization. The first 8 weeks are on the breeder. Part of the breeder's responsibility is not only to medically and physically care for mom and pups but also to make sure the pups get a good solid start on their socialization. That being said, there is a limit to this. Until the pups have their first round of vaccines, it can be risky to get the pups out and about beyond the backyard. The hope is that a good breeder will bring people in, allow the pups to meet vaccinated, healthy and behaviorally appropriate dogs. These are all the reasons why, if you're going the route of getting a purebred dog through a breeder, you really need to do your research.

From 8-12 weeks old, the puppies are going through a fear imprinting period where good, positive experiences are essential. If you want your puppy to be good with people as an adult, you have to put effort into socializing him to as many people as you can during the 8-12 week old period. 
Ideally, your puppy should meet 100 different people by 12 weeks old. It's not as hard as you think - people will swarm your pup when you go out. Go to a mall, a sports game, downtown. 
Now here's the story there - socialization doesn't mean just throwing your dog into the arms of new people. It means creating positive experiences with those people. For some puppies, it's a no-brainer. People mean attention and therefore people are great! For others, people can be really scary so those puppies need more distance and treats to associate with the presence of people. If people mean the presentation of good things, you win! WHENEVER your puppy is around kids, you should be treating him. As much as your puppy may love people, kids are very often scary. They run, they scream, they get in the puppy's face, they pull on ears, tails, they tug the puppy around by it's collar... they can be very concerning very quickly. Additionally, puppies like to nibble fingers, grab pants, jump, etc so if you can redirect with food , it's a win-win!

If you want your puppy to be good with dogs, same deal but also a little more complicated. While you do want to allow your puppy to socialize with dogs of all sizes and shapes, you also have to be a little more careful about health and the behavior of the other dogs. As important at socialization is at this early age, it's also essential that we protect our pups from traumatic experiences because they will hold onto them for life. During this critical period of socialization, puppies also go through a fear imprinting period where any scary experience sticks with them, more so than that same experience outside of the fear imprinting stage. So if your pup gets bitten by another dog, he will remember that experience and may either generalize fear and caution to all dogs going forward or to dog with similar traits, or in similar circumstances to the scary event (ie if your puppy was on leash, she may become scared of other dogs when he's on leash, but be okay when off leash)

Experiences: Let's talk about the vet's office. Your puppy needs many vaccines during their first few months with you and the experience they have at the vet's office can sometimes make or break their future behavior both at the vet's office and with handling in general. Now, to be honest, there are just some dogs who are way more sensitive to touch and handling naturally. But most of it is learned both from his experiences with handling up to this point and also by the way the vet and techs approach and handle the puppy.

NEVER hesitate to bring your puppy to the vet just to socialize with the scale, the techs, and the waiting room. Any vet who doesn't support that... well... look for another.

Bring high value treats to the vaccine appointment. Don't rely on your vet to provide the treats. Some veterinary offices will have good ones, like spray cheese, but many won't and unless you have a pup with a Lab-like appetite, many puppies are too overwhelmed at the vet's office to take treats that are unfamiliar. So familiarize your puppy with a high value treat in a less stimulating environment. Use the cheese, chicken, turkey, ham, etc as a socialization treat when out in other public venues or when your puppy meets anyone new  and then bring those beloved treats with you. When the vet comes in the room, treat your pup. This helps make them quick associations with the vet. Ask your vet if your puppy can get treats during vaccines! Don't be shy. Advocate for your pup

Frequently Asked Questions

I thought I wasn't supposed to take my puppy anywhere until he's fully vaccinated. So how can I socialize?
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) has released a statement discussing the importance of early puppy socialization, preferably before the puppy reaches 12 to 16 weeks old. The AVSAB encourages owners to take their pets to puppy classes as early as possible, even before puppies have completed their full vaccination series.( http://AVSABonline.org/)

Basically, the risk of an under socialized dog having a low quality or shortened life span far outweighs the risk of pup who isn't fully vaccinated to pick up disease. Don't take your puppy to places where a lot of unknown vaccination status dogs congregate until your dog is fully vaccinated. Take your puppy to a pet store but put him in the cart. Take your pup to the park in a wagon. Make sense?


What if my puppy is fearful of people and runs away? 
Then it's time to take the socialization on as a full-time job. Break out the really high value treats. Treat your puppy just for existing in the presence of new people. Don't force interaction. Find the distance at which your puppy is comfortable and reinforce the bravery