Socialization is one of the most important aspects of a puppy’s development, and essential for raising a healthy and well-adjusted dog. Through socialization, puppies learn to interact with other animals and people, laying the foundation for future appropriate behaviors. Without proper socialization, puppies are at risk of developing anxious and fearful behaviors that can be challenging for pet owners and stressful for pets. Our Milford Animal Hospital team shares some tips for socializing your puppy and ensuring they grow up as a well-behaved, well-adjusted adult dog. 

Benefits of socializing your puppy

Positive socialization shapes your puppy’s outlook on their world and will help ensure they enjoy a life of happiness, security, and confidence. Benefits of socializing your puppy include:

  • Better behavior as an adult
  • Friendlier disposition toward strangers
  • More positive interactions with other dogs
  • Easier handling

Begin socializing your puppy right away

The best time to socialize a puppy is during their first 12 to 16 weeks, when their brains are still developing. Begin with gradual, appropriate socialization activities so that your puppy does not become overwhelmed, always keeping their training positive and fun, and rewarding them with plenty of treats and praise. Your puppy is extremely impressionable, and they can be equally impacted by negative and positive experiences. 

Introduce your puppy to the whole wide world

When socializing your puppy, expose them to anything and everything, including: 

  • New dogs and other pets of all ages, sizes, and personalities
  • New people, including strangers, men, women, and children, in different clothing, and who look different (e.g., bearded and clean-shaven men)
  • Different surface textures, such as grass, concrete, carpet, and tile 
  • Different types of weather, such as rain, thunder, snow, and wind 
  • Busy places, like parks and pet-friendly establishments
  • New sounds, smells, and sensations

Get your puppy used to being handled

Get your puppy used to being touched in different ways, so that future experiences like grooming and handling by our veterinary team are much less stressful. When handling your puppy, be slow and gentle, and frequently praise and give them treats. Some helpful handling exercises include:

  • Stroking — Pet your puppy from their head all the way down their back.
  • Holding paws — Gently hold each of your puppy’s paws to get them used to nail trims.
  • Rubbing ears — Rub, unfold, and look inside your puppy’s ears, to prepare them for ear cleanings. 
  • Opening mouth — Lift your puppy’s lips to check their teeth and tongue, and look inside their mouth. Your puppy will be more likely to accept toothbrushing if they have become comfortable with you handling their mouth. 
  • Rubbing belly — Most puppies enjoy a belly rub, and will learn to enjoy being touched if they often experience positive pets and rubs. 

Start with quick puppy outings

If you expose your puppy to many new things for too long, they can become tired and overwhelmed. To avoid a negative experience, keep initial outings short—10 to 15 minutes—and watch for stress signs in your puppy, such as:

  • Yawning
  • Panting
  • Shaking 
  • Scratching

If you realize your puppy is becoming overstimulated, end the session at once and let them rest and re-energize.

Keep puppy socialization safe

Most puppies start their vaccinations around 6 to 8 weeks of age, but they aren’t fully protected until they are 16 to 18 weeks old. Until then, ensure your puppy interacts only with fully vaccinated pets, and avoid dog parks or areas where they may encounter other dogs’ waste. Always supervise your puppy when they play with new dogs, especially older and bigger dogs who may play more roughly. Because your puppy is still learning to understand cues that other dogs send, they may not pick up on a potential altercation. Playdates are a great way for your puppy to play and socialize without worrying. 

Enroll in a puppy class

Puppy training classes help your pet learn basic commands, expose them to other dogs and people, strengthen your bond with your puppy, and teach you how to continue their training once the classes are finished.  

Socializing your puppy early can help them grow into well-adjusted, confident adults. If you have questions or concerns about your puppy’s behavioral or physical wellbeing, or they are due for their puppy vaccinations, contact Milford Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment.