Socialization & Early Exposure
Socialization gives puppies gentle and positive exposure to the things they will experience as adults. This includes people, places, other animals, sounds, sights, surfaces, and situations.
To be effective, socialization must happen during the sensitive period (~3 to 14 weeks of age). This is when puppies have brain and behavioral flexibility. Puppies can quickly learn what is safe or unsafe. The pup’s perception of each socialization opportunity must be positive.
Socialization should start before 8 weeks, when a fear period begins. Socialize pups in several places before 6 – 7 weeks of age to prevent fear when they are outside of their nursery.
Positive interactions are critical until 6-8 months of age but should continue after. Socialization requires lifetime maintenance!
Socialization and early exposure is the single most effective way to prevent fear, behavior problems (including aggression), and adult dogs that cannot cope with their environment. Some dog experts even refer to the effective socialization and early exposure of puppies as a “behavior vaccine”.
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Puppies without exposure to people during the sensitive period were fearful and unable to have normal social interactions with humans.
Freedman, D.G., Elliott, E., and King, J.A. (1961). Critical period in social development of dogs. Science, 133, 1016-1017.
Good and bad experiences are influential during the sensitive period. The handling that puppies receive now can create life-long associations (good or bad). Take care during trips to the vet or during grooming to give your puppy good experiences.
Scott, J.P. and Fuller, J.L., (1965). Genetics and the social behavior of the dog. 1st ed. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Fear learning, also known as Hazard-Avoidance Behavior, varies by breed and individual dog. The average puppy’s fear period “turns on” at 49 days.
Zimen, E. (1987). Ontogeny of approach and flight behavior towards humans in wolves, poodles and wolf-poodle hybrids. In H. Frank (Ed.), Man and wolf: Advances, issues, and problems in captive wolf research (pp. 275–292). Dr W Junk Publishers.
Socialize puppies in different places before 6-7 weeks of age. Otherwise, they may only be comfortable in specific situations (“site attachment”).
Scott, J.P. and Fuller, J.L., (1965). Genetics and the social behavior of the dog. 1st ed. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Socialization & Early Exposure Library
Bare Bones – If you only have a few minutes for the basics
SNACKS – If you want to learn more
The Puppy Socialization Project: Intensity and Thresholds for Socialization
Welfare Implications of Socialization of Puppies and Kittens
Socialization is More Than Mere Exposure
Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do It Right
Socializing Your Puppy: Why "Later" is too Late
Training and Socialization 101
The MOST Important Thing To Teach A New Puppy - Socialization
The Importance of Puppy Socialization
Socialization
Puppy Socialization Resources: Sounds
AVSAB Puppy Socialization Position Statement
Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog
Puppy Socialization Resources: Surfaces
Puppy Socialization Resources: Sights
How to Socialize a Puppy: Puppy Socialization Checklist!
Kibble – If you want to take a deep dive into the sCIENce
Socialization in Commercial Breeding Kennels: The Use of Novel Stimuli to Measure Social and Non-Social Fear in Dogs - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Improving Puppy Behavior Using a New Standardized Socialization Program
Puppy power! Using Social Cognition Research Tasks to Improve Socialization Practices for Domestic Dogs
Enrichment in Puppyhood and Its Effects on Later Behavior of Dogs
The Importance of Early Life Experiences for the Development of Behavioural Disorders in Domestic Dogs
Puppy Parties and Beyond
Additional Resources to Support Dogs in Other Environments
SHELTER & RESCUE
Dogs living in shelter or rescue kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, including those caring for dogs in home-based foster systems or rescue networks, are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
PET FAMILIES
Dogs living in homes as family pets face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, support the human-animal bond, keep pets in their homes, and improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
Research & Teaching
Dogs living in research or teaching kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
Applications for Research & Teaching
Modern Concepts of Socialisation for Dogs: Implications for Their Behavior, Welfare and Use in Scientific Procedures
Boxall, J., Heath, S., Bate, S., and Brautigam, J. Modern concepts of socialisation for dogs: implications for their behavior, welfare and use in scientific procedures Laboratory Animals socialization
A Socialization Program to Improve Research Dog Adoption Rates
Burgess, W., French, E. D., Kendall, L. V. A socialization program to improve research dog adoption rates.
Ontogenetic Effects on Gazing Behaviour: A Case Study of Kennel Dogs (Labrador Retrievers) in the Impossible Task Paradigm
D'Aniello, B. and Scandurra, A. (2016). Ontogenetic effects on gazing behaviour: a case study of kennel dogs (Labrador Retrievers) in the impossible task paradigm. Socialization early exposure
Behavioural Effects of Differential Early Experience In the Dog
The effects of handling from birth to 5 weeks and isolation from 4 to 5 weeks were studied in twenty-two dogs and contrasted with the behavior of control subjects raised under normal rearing conditions. BY M. W. FOX & D. STELZNER
Refining Dog Husbandry and Care: Part 5: Socialization, Habituation and Training
In common with other mammals, the social and physical conditions to which a dog is exposed during its early life can have an enormous impact on its developmental process... Prescott, M. J., Morton, D. B., Anderson, D., Buckwell, A., Heath, S., Hubrecht, R., Jennings, M., Robb, D., Ruane, B., Swallow, J., & Thompson, P. (2004). Refining Dog Husbandry and care. Laboratory Animals, 38(1_suppl), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1258/002367704323145733
Selection, Acclimation, Training, and Preparation of Dogs for the Research Setting
Dogs have made and will continue to make valuable contributions as animal models in biomedical research. Meunier, L. D. (2006). Selection, acclimation, training, and preparation of dogs for the research setting. ILAR Journal, 47(4), 326–347. https://doi.org/10.1093/ilar.47.4.326
Applications for Pet Families
Help Your Puppy Grow Up to Be a Happy Dog
Tynes, V. (2019). Help Your Puppy Grow Up to Be a Happy Dog. Fear Free Happy Homes. Retrieved June 21, 2023, from https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/help-your-puppy-grow-up-to-be-a-happy-dog/.
Setting Your New Dog or Puppy Up for Successful Alone Time
Flores, T. and Chin, L. (n.d.). Setting Your New Dog or Puppy Up for Successful Alone Time. Doggy Einstein's Training. Retrieved June 21, 2023, from https://www.doggyeinsteinstraining.com/resources.html.
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days
Yin, S.A. (2011). Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right. CattleDog Publishing.
Puppy Play: An Essential Part of Puppy Class for a Well-Rounded Dog
Todd, Z. (2022, July 27). Puppy play: An essential part of puppy class for a well-rounded dog. Companion Animal Psychology. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2021/02/puppy-play-essential-part-of-puppy.html#:~:text=The%20important%20thing%20about%20puppies,are%20having%20a%20good%20time
Dogs Who Attended Puppy Class are More Trainable
Todd, Z. (2022, July 30). Dogs who attended puppy class are more trainable. Companion Animal Psychology. Retrieved January 2, 2023, from https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2019/09/dogs-who-attended-puppy-class-are-more.html?fbclid=IwAR0mRL3alQ1vvr6cB8AusD5-cSYa61_ibHnHH-8aMAeFXCzUTH56DgH_92I&m=1
The Ultimate Puppy Parenting Guidebook
Fraser, S. (2022, November 14). The ultimate puppy parenting guidebook. Instinct Dog Behavior & Training. Retrieved January 2, 2023, from https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/puppy-parenting-guidebook/?fbclid=IwAR0XQJPmqqIu-IgfHtgyWZcdxZYrCWQgKqyRWV2dBGsdIq6R76INXtwCl1A
Behavior Guide for Your New Puppy
Herron, M. Behavior guide for your new puppy. Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. Retrieved February 12, 2022, from https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/owner-education/behavior-guide-your-new-puppy
Association Between Puppy Classes and Adult Behavior of the Dog
González-Martínez, A., Martínez, M.F., Rosado, B., Luño, I., Santamarina, G., Suárez, M.L., Camino, F., de la Cruz, L.F., and Diéguez, F.J. Association between puppy classes and adult behavior of the dog. Socialization Early Exposure
Evaluation of Association Between Retention in the Home and Attendance at Puppy Socialization Classes
Duxbury, M.M., Jackson, J.A., Line, S.W., and Anderson, R.K.Evaluation of association between retention in the home and attendance at puppy socialization classes. Early Exposure
Effects of Dog-Appeasing Pheromones on Anxiety and Fear in Puppies During Training and on Long-Term Socialization
Denenberg, S. and Landsberg, G.M. Effects of dog-appeasing pheromones on anxiety and fear in puppies during training and on long-term socialization. Early Exposure
Applications for Shelter & Rescue
Extra Early Socialization for Puppies Makes a Big Difference
Todd, Z. (2017). Extra Early Socialization for Puppies Makes a Big Difference. Companion Animal Psychology. Retrieved June 21, 2023, from https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/11/extra-early-socialization-for-puppies.html.
Socializing Your Dog
Reusche, S. and Chin, L. (n.d.). Socializing your dog. Retrieved June 21, 2023, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilita/9709045843/sizes/l/.
Puppy Socialization: Does It Mean What You Think It Means?
Tynes, V. (2019). Puppy Socialization: Does it mean what you think it means? Retrieved June 21, 2023, from https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/puppy-socialization-does-it-mean-what-you-think-it-means/.
Bringing Up Baby (Socialization for Young Pups)
ASPCA - American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Bringing up baby (Socialization for young pups) Early Exposure
Puppy Socialization Plan for Rescue Groups or Foster Homes
Puppy socialization plan for rescue groups or Foster Homes. Best Friends Animal Society. Retrieved February 12, 2022, from https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/puppy-socialization-plan-rescue-groups-or-foster-homes
Dog Socialization Tips and Checklists
For dogs to be happy and comfortable in the world of humans, socialization is so important... Woodard, S. (n.d.). Dog socialization tips and checklists. Best Friends Animal Society. Retrieved February 16, 2022, from https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-socialization-tips-and-checklists
The First Eight Weeks: Socializing Puppy Litters in a Shelter or Foster Home
The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are critical to its mental and social development... Center for Shelter Dogs. (2014). The First Eight Weeks: Socializing Puppy Litters in a Shelter or Foster Home. Center for Shelter Dogs, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University. Early Exposure, Socialization
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