Puppy Training Checklist: Puppy Socialization

Positive Reinforcement Puppy Socialization Tips and Goals

Puppy Socialization

Studies show that exposing puppies to a variety of people, places, and things in the early stages of development help puppies develop into confident and well-adjusted dogs. The opportunity for good puppy socialization is at its peak between 2 and 4 months of age and continues until the puppy is about 6 months of age. Lack of good puppy socialization during a puppy’s first 2-6 months of life can seriously increase the possibility of behavioral problems later in life. These behavioral problems can include extreme fear and aggression. Behavioral problems in pet dogs decrease the bond a caregiver has with their dog. In fact, behavioral problems are the number one reason why dogs are turned into rescues and shelters.

For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior states, “Enrolling in puppy classes prior to three months of age can be an excellent means of improving training, strengthening the human-animal bond, and socializing puppies in an environment where the risk of illness can be minimized.”

The experiences must be positive! It is extremely important to monitor interactions your puppy has to make sure they are enjoyable. Gradually expose him to noises and sights at an increasing intensity rather than scaring him with a full-blown noise or sight.

If your puppy has a bad experience with something, try to set up a similar situation in a less stressful way. Be prepared to reward heavily for brave behavior. Start with your puppy from a distance, feeding him yummy treats, and gradually decrease the distance. Make sure you are moving on his comfort level; don’t do more than he’s ready for.

Reinforce confident behavior and help him if he is fearful! If your puppy shows any signs of being fearful or stressed, you must make sure you are addressing his needs and decreasing his fear by allowing him to move away from what he finds scary or intimidating. Try moving your puppy farther away from the “scary” source. Once your puppy is relaxed, reinforce this behavior.

Below are a few ideas to get you started on socializing your puppy properly.

People: Adult females, Adult males, Seniors, Teenager, Children, Toddlers, Babies, Person with facial hair, Person with a hat on, Person with sunglasses, Person of a different nationality, Person in a wheelchair, Person with a deep voice, Person in raincoat, Person in uniform, and Clowns.
Places: Park, Playground, Veterinary clinic (just for a fun visit), Groomers/Kennel (just for a fun visit), Pet store, Dog show, Someone else’s house, Hotel (that allow dogs), Shopping center, and Beach.
Things: Bicycle, Cars, Motorcycle, Rollerblades, Clanging pots and pans, Vacuum, Floor fan, Garage door opening, Umbrella, Playground equipment, Bridges, Wet grass, Mud, Sand, Balloons, Trains, Machinery, Shiny floors, Fireplace, Other friendly dogs, and Other animals.

So don’t delay, enroll in a good puppy class right away! If you put off socializing your puppy, you will not be able to recapture what you lost; you will be stuck attempting to fix problems later. Look for a puppy class that takes every step to ensure your puppy’s behavioral and physical health needs are met during classes. A class All held indoors with the floors sanitized prior to your puppy’s arrival is ideal. Toys and water bowls should only be used for your class or properly sanitized to help eliminate cross-contamination.

Your questions or comments are welcome below.

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