Socialization & Early Exposure

The gentle positive exposure to people, places, animals (including dogs), sounds, sights, surfaces, and situations that pups will experience in their adult living environment is known as Socialization and Early Exposure.

Effective socialization (to people and animals) and early exposure (to objects, surfaces, sounds and situations) must occur during a time in puppy development of extreme brain and behavioral flexibility called the sensitive period of socialization (approximately 3-12 weeks of age).  This naturally occurring time period likely developed to help pups and their ancestors survive.  At this time, puppy brains can make rapid associations about what is safe AND what is unsafe and needs to be avoided. Great care must be taken to ensure that the pup’s perception of each socialization and exposure opportunity is positive.   The optimal time to start is before the fear period begins (8 weeks of age).   It is also critical to socialize pups in many locations at a young age (before 6 to 7 weeks old) to avoid creating a puppy that is only comfortable within their whelping area.   Maintenance of socialization is also required. Social exposure and positive interactions must continue until at least 6-8 months of age, and ideally over a lifetime.

0 Comments

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”.

0 Comments

Socialization & Early Exposure Library

Resources focused for the welfare needs of dogs living in breeding kennels, large or small scale.

KIBBLE – EXTENSION PAPERS

 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.