What is socialization?
In the context of dog training, socialization means exposing puppies to an assortment of stimuli and experiences they might encounter in their adult lives. Just as vaccinations prevent physical illnesses, safe exposures to unfamiliar people and situations inoculate puppies against the development of fearful behavior.
During socialization, puppies become acclimated or habituated to various stimuli and situations. Puppies learn social skills during carefully controlled, comfortable, and safe interactions with people, dogs, and other animals.
While dogs experience social learning throughout their lifetimes, puppies are ideal candidates for socialization between the ages of 3 and 16 weeks of age. This period is called the “sensitive period for socialization.” Initial socialization begins when a puppy is still with his mother and littermates. Puppies naturally encounter and adapt to many sounds and sights in their early environment.
How do I socialize my puppy correctly?
As soon as your puppy has acclimated to your family and home, you can begin to provide her with positive, pleasant experiences in novel situations. Young puppies are in their most sensitive developmental period, so you must protect them from fear-provoking situations. Be sure that your puppy remains calm and interested in engaging and does not become frightened or overwhelmed.
As a guideline, bring your puppy to new places at least twice weekly. Pack some tasty treats and some exciting toys to occupy him. Always begin at a comfortable distance from anything that might frighten your pup. If your puppy looks calm and comfortable, move closer and allow them to investigate. If they seem concerned, move away slightly and allow more distance. There’s no need to rush. Let your puppy set the pace.
Select places that provide an opportunity to encounter the sorts of sights and sounds that might be part of your puppy’s future. This is the time to help your puppy learn about city streets and open parks. Bring him into pet-friendly shops. Let him observe other species of animals, such as cows and horses. If you have a friend with a calm, dog-friendly cat, arrange a visit. Prepare to keep your puppy on a leash so that he is not able to chase and frighten the cat. The cat may also need to be on leash, if he is bold, so he does not frighten your puppy.
Perhaps most importantly, let your puppy meet all sorts of friendly people every week. Let your puppy relax and interact with people of different sizes, different ages, and different colors. Include people with hats and canes, men and women, and children that are old enough to be gentle. Give treats to people that want to meet your puppy. Strangers should avoid reaching for the puppy and allow the puppy to approach at his own pace.
Young puppies can also be socialized with other puppies and with healthy, vaccinated dogs that you can trust to be gentle with your delicate puppy. Even if there is no physical injury, a sensitive puppy can be permanently traumatized by an unexpected growl or snap from an unfamiliar adult dog.
If your puppy is tentative about interacting with calm people and dogs — for instance, if he takes a treat from a stranger but then backs away — then he is frightened. The dog’s fear could escalate if he is repeatedly coaxed to approach when he is not ready. Puppies that show fear need a customized socialization plan and benefit from professional guidance. Never force your puppy to “face his fears” or thrust him into new situations when he seems panicked or fearful, as it may worsen the fear.
Is it safe to take my puppy out in public at such a young age?
Yes, you can safely take your puppy out in public when they are very young, though some precautions are needed. There is a misconception that puppies must complete their full set of vaccinations before being socialized, because the puppy could be exposed to an infectious disease before his protective immunity develops. However, by the time your puppy has finished his vaccination series, his sensitive period for socialization will be over. Without properly timed socialization, puppies face a considerable risk of developing permanent fears or anxiety.
Talk to your veterinarian about the risks of infectious disease in your area and follow their recommended vaccination schedule. In most cases, there are many low-risk opportunities for excellent socialization. You can minimize your puppy’s risk of becoming ill by avoiding unvaccinated dogs and groups of unknown dogs (e.g., avoid dog parks). Consider signing up for puppy classes in a setting that is kept clean and where all the puppies are vaccinated and have a negative fecal parasite test. The benefits gained from these early public experiences usually outweigh the risk of illness. Without these experiences, there is a serious risk of the puppy developing permanent fears or anxiety.
What is habituation?
Habituation happens when a puppy grows accustomed to stimuli through repeated exposure at levels that do not produce fear. We experience habituation regularly in our lives. For example, if you move to a home near a railroad crossing, you might notice every train passing by, at first. Within a short time, you will barely notice the sound — it is another neutral noise in the background.
Similarly, puppies habituate to stimuli in the environment if the stimuli are not overwhelming. Habituation cannot occur if a puppy is frightened. Signs of fear can include trembling, refusing to play or take treats, or trying to escape or pull away. Remove your puppy from the situation and bring him to a place where he feels safe, so he can relax. Then seek professional guidance. You may need to arrange for desensitization to certain scary stimuli.
What is desensitization?
Desensitization refers to the process of deliberately, but carefully and systematically, exposing your puppy to a stimulus at such a low level that he is not frightened. Once he is relaxed with the low level of exposure, the intensity can be slightly increased. When done correctly, desensitization will help your puppy habituate to something that might seem a little scary.
Desensitization is the primary behavior modification technique used to treat fears in dogs of any age. If your puppy exhibits a high level of fear, it is best to seek professional guidance so the desensitization process can be done correctly.
For example, if your puppy is afraid of the coffee grinder:
- Keep your puppy in another room while you grind the coffee. Have a helper play with him or feed him treats. Keep the grinding duration short — just a few seconds. Then have your helper bring your puppy outside and play with him while you finish the grinding. For desensitization to be effective at reducing fear, your puppy must be protected from exposure to the full stimulus until he is ready.
- After a few sessions, grind for a few seconds longer. If your puppy can easily play and take treats, then move him a bit closer to the grinder, but muffle the sound with a towel or reduce the duration of the noise.
- Gradually unmuffle the sound and increase the duration of the noise.
Start with small steps, watch for signs your puppy may feel overwhelmed or fearful, and only progress when he is comfortable.
Do other factors contribute to a social, calm, and confident dog?
Personality traits are determined by many factors, including genetics, the behavior and health of the mother, access to adequate nutrition during development, and the puppy’s early physical and social environment. These factors began to shape your puppy’s personality before your puppy even joined your household.
Genetics
If you meet one or both parents, you may get some insight into the traits your puppy may inherit. If both parents are calm, your puppy is more likely to be calm. If you adopt a purebred dog, you can select a breed known for being calm. Although there is considerable variation within breeds, some breed tendencies exist. Investigate the breeds that interest you and learn about their temperaments.
Early Handling
Puppies that are stimulated and handled from birth to five weeks of age are more confident and more likely to be social. Early stimulation may also positively affect a puppy’s brain development and ability to tolerate stress. Puppies obtained from a breeder or foster home, where they have had frequent contact and interaction with people, may be more social and less fearful than puppies with limited exposure, such as those raised in pet stores or isolated kennels. Once your puppy comes home with you, begin to introduce gentle handling and be aware of signs your puppy is distressed or overwhelmed.
Puppy Personality and Temperament
It is difficult to predict future behavioral tendencies. Many puppy aptitude and personality tests have been developed, but to date, they mainly provide guidelines rather than guarantees. Personality can change over time. It seems that puppies that are fearful and/or easily frustrated are likely to continue exhibiting these traits into adulthood.
If you hope for a calm, confident dog, look for a puppy interested in meeting people and exploring novel objects. If you select a puppy that is shy or retreats from new stimuli, your puppy is not likely to become bold and confident, but proper socialization will give her the best chance for success. Take your time, keeping all exposures comfortable so your puppy is never frightened. Do not hesitate to seek professional guidance to give your puppy the best chance of maturing into a calm and social dog.
What is the best age to get a new puppy?
Since a puppy’s interactions with his mother and littermates positively impact a puppy’s social skills, puppies should remain with their mother and littermates until they are 7–10 weeks of age, depending on breed and maturity.
Even if your puppy is over 16 weeks and past the sensitive period for socialization, it is important to continue providing regular social interactions. During adolescence, between 6 and 18 months of age, it is important to maintain positive, calm social experiences to bolster your dog’s confidence and comfort through adulthood.
What else can I do to help my puppy’s social development?
Ask your veterinarian to help you find a puppy socialization class. Suitable classes provide opportunities to interact with other people and dogs in a low-risk environment. Puppy socialization classes help puppies learn social manners, including the important skills of ignoring as well as politely greeting people and other dogs.
Find a class with a strong safety protocol that reduces the risks of disease transmission:
- Puppies must be up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters and free of intestinal parasites.
- Puppies must have been in their new home for at least 10 days and have appeared healthy during this time.
- Sick puppies are always asked to stay home from class.
- Classes are held in a location that can easily be cleaned and disinfected.
