Socializing a puppy is an area of puppy rearing that many people talk about, but few actually do properly. Socialization means exposing a puppy or child to every possible type of situation, person, other animals, and so on in order for them to learn about their world around them in a supportive and controlled manner.

Puppyhood is a vital time to for socialization as their personality and behavior are still forming. A research study carried out by the veterinarians and animal behaviorists at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine determined that the first twelve weeks of a puppy’s life is the critical time for socialization. Puppies exposed to a wide range of experiences and situations during this time make excellent companions, are well adjusted, are not fearful, are easier to train, and adapt to new situations easily. Puppies that were not socialized during this critical time are fearful, hard to train, easily upset, and are routine orientated so any change to their day-to-day life upsets them greatly.

It is possible to socialize a puppy older then twelve weeks however it far more difficult and requires far more time. There may always be certain situations that send the dog into a tailspin of anxiety that no matter how much you work with them, you can never get them to fully relax around that object or situation.

How to Socialize a Puppy

Socializing a puppy begins as soon as you bring your puppy home from the breeder. Responsible breeders may have already begun the process by taking the pups for a car ride, to their first vet appointment, giving a variety of  toys  to the pups to play with, and inviting friends and family over to play with the pups from birth. Pups that are exposed to all these strange people and objects right from birth tend to be more confident pups.

All puppy socialization must be done in a supportive and non-threatening manner. New experiences should not be painful or frightening otherwise a phobia could develop around that experience and work will be required to get the pup over the phobia.

All socialization sessions should be short as puppies tire easily and require a lot of sleep. If the pup lays down, it is an indication that they are tired and should be taken home or put in their crate for a nap.

• The first step in socialization usually revolves around visitors. Invite friends, family, and neighborhood kids over to play with your puppy (monitor children with the pup to ensure a positive experience). Exposing your puppy to people of various ethnicities is important as are people that use canes or wheelchairs, etc.
• Invite friends over that have healthy and vaccinated dogs for play sessions. Again, the more dogs that the pup is exposed to in a positive manner, the more likely they will not develop fear or  aggression  issues towards other dogs.
• Invite you and your puppy over to friend’s houses to meet their dog-friendly cat or play with their vaccinated dog.
• Although your pup is not fully vaccinated, you can take him to places for socialization such as malls, banks, and playgrounds as long as you carry him. These are great places to introduce pups to new experiences in a positive manner.
• Car rides can be a problem for some dogs, as they do not like the movement. To ensure your pup does not have car issues later in life, take him for lots of short, positive rides. Reward him for good car manners.
• Introduce your puppy to as many strange objects as possible. Leave your vacuum cleaner out (and off!) for him to sniff and explore, carry an umbrella on a walk, carry crinkly plastic bags to let him get used to the sound, and make sure he is near the kitchen as you make dinner and use appliances.
• Introduce your pup to his collar and leash as soon as possible.
• Brush your pup and give him his first bath during this period (a few baths would be better). Get him used to being groomed, having his nails trimmed, his ears cleaned, and his teeth brushed.
• Pups get used to objects a certain way so shake things up for him. Turn a chair upside down, put a small table on its side, rearrange the furniture, and move a throw rug to keep him on his toes.
• Many adult dogs have problems with loud sounds. Introducing a puppy to these sounds in the correct manner is important to how they adjust to them later in life. Play a CD of fireworks or loud music quietly to begin with or in another room. Gradually increase the volume or open a door so the puppy can investigate on their own time.

How Not to Socialize a Puppy

Never allow your pup to put in a situation where they may be hurt, overtly frightened or exposed to diseased animals or ground where diseased animals may walk. If you do not know whether a dog is healthy and  vaccinated , do not allow your pup to play with it.

The biggest problem in socializing a puppy is rewarding fearful behavior. This is a natural instinct – a puppy is scared so you cuddle it, soothe it, and tell them it will all be okay. Without meaning to, you have just rewarded them for being scared and without retraining, the pup will grow into a fearful adult because of it. Instead, allow the pup to continue investigating the new object even if they seem apprehensive. If you do feel that a frightening situation has become too much for the pup, pick it up and take it out of the area but do so in a no nonsense, happy, positive manner so that the pup does not learn that acting scared will garner him more attention.

Some pups take longer to investigate new objects and situations. Allow him to investigate at his own pace.

The important part of socializing a puppy is to do it as soon as possible! Every day that he ages is a vital time lost to helping him become a well-mannered and well-adjusted adult companion!