Many first-time dog owners face the problem of how to socialize a puppy. They either do not know of the importance of socialization or are unsure how to properly socialize their puppies.
When I had my first dog, I did not know the importance of socialization until my first trip to the vet. Since then, I have read up about dog socialization and ensured that all my dogs are socialized. I also conversed with other dog owners about their dog socialization experiences and learned how to make socialization a positive experience for both the owner and the dog.
In this article, I will share with you the following aspects:
- Reasons for socializing your puppy
- The optimal time for socialization
- Things your puppy needs to get socialized with
- Places you can bring your puppy to
- Method for encouraging your puppy to socialize
- Possible concerns
Why Should You Socialize Your Puppy?
Dog behavior experts and current scientific literature support the stance that successful socialization is crucial because it helps your puppy accept various stimulations and enjoying future experiences instead of getting overwhelmed by them [1].
On the other hand, puppies who experience inadequate socialization may result in multiple behavioral problems such as avoidance, fearful, or aggressive behaviors, especially in unfamiliar situations. Several examples include:
- Refusal to get into the car and travel crate
- Growling, teeth-baring, and biting unfamiliar people
- Running away to hide when unfamiliar sounds are heard
Such behaviors increase your puppy’s stress level, posing health-related risks to the various major organs [2]. It is also very time-consuming and requires a lot of effort for the owner (or trainer) to help a dog unlearn existing negative behaviors.
Socializing your puppy well can reduce the chances of developing such behavioral and health problems in the future.
When Should Socialization Take Place?
The critical period of socialization takes place from 3 weeks to 16 weeks.
At 3 weeks old, the puppy becomes more mobile and can start exploring the environment. Most of the puppy’s experiences are new and fresh at this stage, so anything introduced at around this time will be registered as a common occurrence.
Most breeds have their socialization period closed at about 12 to 16 weeks. While socialization can still be done after this period, more effort and time will be required for the puppy to accept and get accustomed to new stimuli.
Remember, later exposure is always better than no exposure at all.
Who Should Your Puppy Socialize With?
Your puppy should be exposed to various stimuli, prioritizing anything that will be of common sight and occurrence.
Getting Handled
Your puppy needs to get used to being touched on the different parts of the body, including the head, ears, back, paws, tail, and the bottom of the tummy.
Such experiences will help your puppy be more comfortable being handled in the future. Examples include veterinary trips or training sessions.
People
Your puppy will need to get used to family, friends, and strangers (both adults and children).
From my previous experiences, I strongly recommend socializing your puppy with other family members (including animals) first, before introducing other people in the future. This suggestion is because you are likely to have their scent on you even if they are not present, so your puppy is already somewhat exposed to their scent, making the socialization process easier.
Animals
Your puppy is highly unlikely to have zero experience with other animals outside the home, so he should learn to get along with them.
Common animals around your area, such as other domesticated pets, are potential socialization partners.
While stray and wild animals such and cats and birds might not be socialization partners, exposure to them through observation from a distance can help your puppy to normalize their presence.
Textures
Most owners will overlook the socialization of textures, which include fabric and flooring.
This aspect is vital as it will affect how your puppy reacts to other items. Some examples are any future beds that you might buy for him or clothes that you might want him to wear in colder seasons.
Vehicles
Whether you have a vehicle of your own, your puppy should have exposure to them as they are common in the community.
Your puppy should be exposed to resting vehicles, moving vehicles, and the interior of vehicles.
If you have a bicycle or intend to prepare a travel crate for him, socializing him with such modes of transport is also essential.
Bodies of Water
If you have a bathtub, socializing your puppy with the bathtub (with and without water in it) will help you bathe him down the road.
If not, bring your puppy to other water bodies such as local park ponds or the seaside so that he can have an experience of large bodies of water.
Other Common Objects
When you bring your puppy out for walks, allow him to explore and sniff common objects such as neighborhood road signs and trash cans so that he gets familiarized with them.
You can also introduce grooming tools by showing them to or using them on your puppy so that they understand grooming tools are not a threat.
If you have items such as an automated floor cleaner, you can also set it on in front of your puppy for him to be familiar with it.
Where Can You Socialize Your Puppy?
From my experience, it is best to socialize your puppy from your home and expand outwards. Allow your puppy to be familiar with the family and the house before you start to bring him out.
When you bring your puppy out, you should also start with close areas around your home.
Dog Classes
These classes are usually puppy socialization classes or basic training classes. Your puppy will have the chance to interact with other dogs and even learn some knowledge. For example, puppies that play with other dogs and puppies learn to play-bite, which is a form of biting used in play that is not painful.
You can also take the chance to expand your network here and get the contacts of other dog owners. They are people that can potentially help you out in the future, such as caring for your dog if you leave on vacation.
Neighborhood
Start by bringing your puppy out of the house and having him explore the immediate surroundings.
After he gets comfortable, you can start to bring him further out to the other neighborhood parts. You can also bring him to shops and areas that you often visit so that he gets accustomed to the environment there.
Your puppy will most likely be socialized with other people, textures, vehicles, and neighborhood objects.
If your neighborhood has a park, by all means, bring your puppy there. It is beneficial if it has a pond or lake so that your puppy can be exposed to a large body of water. You will also likely meet other pet owners, giving your puppy the experience of socializing with other animals.
Pet Park or Pet Shop
Alternatively, pet parks or the local pet shops can provide the opportunity for your puppy to socialize with other animals.
However, do note that you should always ask for permission when visiting the local pet shop with your puppy. Some pet shop owners are not happy with other people bringing their animals in for socializing.
How To Socialize Your Puppy?
I prefer to use positive reinforcement when socializing my dogs in the past. Positive reinforcement means rewarding my dogs whenever I see the desired behavior. Therefore, whenever I see my dogs exploring something, I will encourage them by praising them and treating them.
Check out this post on positive reinforcement clicker training which can be used for socialization.
I like this method because my dogs are more likely to associate the exploration process and the stimuli with a positive experience. I feel that this had made them less fearful during future explorations and more likely to observe and approach new stimuli.
If your puppy prefers toys more than treats, you can use their favorite toy as a substitute for treats instead. In positive reinforcement, having a reward itself is more important than the type of reward as long as your puppy likes it.
What Should You Look Out For?
You should look out for two main aspects before and during socialization: 1) signs of fear in your puppy and 2) health and safety concerns.
Signs of Fear
When your puppy shows signs of fear, my advice is not to coddle or punish him. Coddling sends the message that there is a reason for fear while punishing will only make the experience worse for him.
Possible signs of fear include:
- Trembling or shaking legs
- Excessive panting (especially when the weather is not hot)
- Trying to find places to hide behind or under
- Tail tucked between legs
- Growling
My suggestion is to encourage your puppy to approach by going towards the stimuli and touching it (if possible) to show them that it will not cause harm. You can follow up by beckoning him to come over to you with treats and encouragement.
If you are in control of the stimuli, you can also expose your puppy to a lower intensity (e.g., lower volume, lesser time, further distance, etc.) and gradually increase the level of intensity. Such gradual increments allow him to accept the stimuli gradually.
Health and Safety Concerns
If you are concerned about your puppy’s health and safety during socialization, you can take some preventive measures.
Firstly, you can choose to delay your puppy’s socialization outside the house until a few days after getting his first vaccination, usually at about 8 weeks old. You can still invite friends and extended family members over so that your puppy gets socialization with other adults and children.
Secondly, only approach other pets with the permission of the owner. Most pet owners will refrain their pets from interacting with other animals if they will be aggressive. By asking permission, you are making sure that your puppy is safe from aggressive and unvaccinated pets.
Lastly, you can avoid areas that have high risks of diseases. One prominent example is construction sites, where all the dirt from the ground (together with the insects) is being dug out. Who knows what’s buried underneath the ground!
What’s Next?
It is okay to feel nervous or unsure about what to do even after reading this post, but the most important thing is to get started.
You can always start with something familiar, such as other family members or close friends and neighbors. This arrangement will reduce the risks of any possible danger until you are ready to take your puppy out of the house for socialization. It is also an excellent idea to have a mental list of what you want to socialize him with.
You can also prepare some treats and toys to reward your puppy when you see a desirable behavior. Don’t forget to give him lots of praise too!
What are you waiting for? Time to start socializing your puppy!
