Puppy Socialization

What Age Is Best for Puppy Socialization?

As you look closely at the following information, you will see that puppies are geared to easily accept all new experiences when they are around their mother and littermates.  As puppies age, get bigger and go out on their own; they then tend to be more cautious.  It is best to expose your young puppy to as many different stimuli and situations as possible.  It is important to balance this with the fact that his/ her immune system is not fully developed.

Here is a breakdown of three stages of your puppy's early life as it relates to their socialization:

3 to 12 weeks :  Puppies are very accepting of new experiences during this time period.

12 to 18 Weeks :   As Puppies enter this new stage, they become much more cautious.   During the time period from 12 to 18 weeks of age, the opportunity to socialize your puppy ends.  It becomes more difficult to get the pup to accept and enjoy something that he’s initially wary of with each passing week.

After 18 weeks old :  It may be difficult to teach a dog to like something new, or help him become comfortable with something he finds frightening.  Some examples include fireworks, thunderstorms and other common phobias.

Within the entire socialization period, your dog will have periods where they appear fearless, yet others times he or she may be very cautious at other times.

This represents just a brief example of Dog behavior.  Dr Roadruck is very interested in behavior and training.  He enjoys helping out our clients in the Seville, Wadsworth, Rittman, Medina and surrounding areas.  Dr. Roadruck is available for consultations and behavior training on a scheduled basis.  He can be contacted via the following email address: O2Bcalm@gmail.com.

Written for Seville Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic by Jeffrey R. Fink D.V.M.