You have wanted a puppy for as long as you can remember, waiting responsibly until you had the time, financial resources, and stable living situation to give them the perfect life. You have spent time reflecting on your lifestyle and researching breeds that would thrive within your parameters. You have chosen a reputable animal rescue and asked plenty of questions before meeting puppies. Finally, you have met your puppy, and felt an instant connection. You have signed the adoption papers and brought home your puppy, only to observe your new furry friend chewing furiously on their leash. What do you do now? 

Adopting a puppy is a major decision, and takes a huge commitment. Feeling overwhelmed is normal when you first bring home your puppy, and our Oliver Animal Hospital team is here to relieve some of those initial jitters. Your puppy needs a lot—supplies, veterinary appointments, potty training. However, an important first step is socialization. Learn what puppy socialization is, why this training is essential to your puppy’s development, and how to begin.  

What is puppy socialization?

Socialization is the process of introducing your puppy to new environments, people, pets, and experiences, and teaching them that the world is a safe and positive place. You can help your puppy succeed at this training by creating and reinforcing positive interactions with new situations during their critical development period—within the first few months of your puppy’s life. Socializing your puppy takes time, effort, and patience, but your commitment will pay off—for you and your pup—as they become a calm, confident, and well-adjusted adult dog. 

The importance of puppy socialization

Puppy socialization provides many benefits. Generally, a well-socialized puppy will be:

  • More confident, and less likely to be fearful or shy as an adult
  • Easier to train
  • More likely to get along well with other animals and various people
  • Less likely to develop behavior problems 
  • Better able to cope with change
  • Easier to handle while receiving veterinary care
  • Easier to bring to pet-friendly places such as restaurants, cafes, and pet supply stores

Starting puppy socialization

Ideally, your puppy will have been socialized during their early development—between 3 to 5 weeks of age—a time when puppies begin to learn social cues, biting inhibition, and social hierarchy patterns through interactions with their littermates. During this development period, puppies begin to willingly approach and interact with people. To ensure they experience this critical social-pattern learning period, puppies should remain with their litter until they are 8 weeks of age. Socialization can begin the moment you bring home your puppy, and should include:

  • Initial introductions — Give your puppy time to adjust before you introduce them to large numbers of new people, and begin by helping them become comfortable with their living environment and with your two-legged and four-legged family members. 
  • Handling — To make future grooming and veterinary visits easier, touch your puppy all over their body so they become accustomed to being handled. Gently rub your puppy’s ears, mouth, belly, and feet. For calmly accepting your touch, reward your puppy with praise and treats. 
  • New environments — Before you begin introducing your puppy to environments outside your home, ensure they receive their first vaccination series. You can then begin to introduce your puppy to new environments, such as:
    • Neighborhoods
    • Parks
    • Car rides 
    • Veterinarian 
    • Pet-friendly establishments 
  • Unfamiliar people — Introduce your puppy to young children, tall people, and short people, people of various races, genders, and sizes, people wearing clothing and accessories that your puppy has not encountered, and people with facial hair and different hairstyles.
  • Puppy socialization classes — A great way to introduce your puppy to other dogs is by attending a socialization class. In these classes, puppies are exposed to a wide range of new experiences, including playing with different dogs, meeting new people, and walking on different surface types. A socialization class is a safe place for your puppy to explore—alongside a trained professional—to help them view the world as a safe, secure, and fun place. 

Our Oliver Animal Hospital team is here to answer questions about your puppy’s socialization and health. Contact us if you need puppy training advice or would like to schedule your new furry pal’s vaccinations.