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.
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 that received no exposure to people during the sensitive period of socialization (3 – 12 weeks) were always fearful and never able to have normal social interactions with humans (Freedman et al., 1961).
Freedman, D.G., Elliott, E., and King, J.A. (1961). Critical period in social development of dogs. Science, 133, 1016-1017.

Emotionally arousing stimuli, either positive or negative, can accelerate the sensitive period of socialization and these can impact a dog for a lifetime. Veterinary procedures that induce trauma in some dogs, such as vaccinations or even grooming, can also be critical during this time window (Scott & Fuller, 1965).
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, 1987).
The onset of fear learning, or “Hazard-Avoidance Behavior”, varies among breeds and individuals, with the average puppy’s fear periods emerging at 49 days (Morrow et al., 2015).
Morrow, M., Ottobre, J., Ottobre, A., Neville, P., St-Pierre, N., Dreschel, N. and Pate, J.L. (2015). Breed-dependent differences in the onset of fear-related avoidance behavior in puppies. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 10, 286- 294.

To avoid “localization” or site attachment”, where pups are only comfortable in limited, specific environments, socialization and early exposures must be done in many different locations before 6-7 weeks of age (Scott & Fuller, 1965).
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
Resources focused for the welfare needs of dogs living in breeding kennels, large or small scale.
BARE BONES BASICS (IF YOU ONLY HAVE A FEW MINUTES)
At-A-Glance: Puppy Socialization and Early Exposure - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Puppy Socialization - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Early Exposure for Puppies - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Quick Tips for Success: Puppy Socialization and Early Exposure - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Puppy Socialization and Early Exposure Checklist - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Behavioral Wellness - Daily Checklist For Puppies - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Behavioral Indicators of Lack of Socialization in the Dog - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
SNACKS – VIDEOS, WEBSITES, BOOKS
At-A-Glance: Puppy Socialization and Early Exposure - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
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
Improper Puppy Socialization and Subsequent Behavior
Puppy Socialization Resources: Sounds
Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog
Puppy Socialization Resources: Surfaces
Puppy Socialization Resources: Sights
How to Socialize a Puppy: Puppy Socialization Checklist!
Dog Socialization Tips and Checklists
Puppy Socialization: 5 Common Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
HIGH VALUE TREATS – HANDOUTS AND CHECKLISTS
Puppy Socialization - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Early Exposure for Puppies - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Quick Tips for Success: Puppy Socialization and Early Exposure - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Puppy Socialization and Early Exposure Checklist - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Behavioral Wellness - Daily Checklist For Puppies - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Behavioral Indicators of Lack of Socialization in the Dog - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Bringing Up Baby (Socialization For Young Pups)
AVSAB Puppy Socialization Position Statement
KIBBLE – EXTENSION PAPERS
FOOD PUZZLE BUFFET – sCIENTIFIC jOURNAL ARTICLES
Improving Canine Welfare in Commercial Breeding (CB) Operations: Evaluating Rehoming Candidates - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
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.
Inadequate Socialization, Inactivity, And Urban Living Environment Are Associated With Social Fearfulness In Pet Dogs
Importance Of Bringing Dogs In Contact With Children During Their Socialization Period For Better Behavior.
Early Life Experiences And Exercise Associate With Canine Anxieties
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
Frequency of CPV [Canine Parvovirus] Infection in Vaccinated Puppies that Attended Puppy Socialization Classes
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
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
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
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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