Puppy Socialization
What Age Is Best for Puppy Socialization?
3 to 12 weeks: Puppies are the most accepting of new experiences during this time period.
12 to 18 Weeks: As Puppies enter this new stage, they become much more cautious of anything that they have yet to encounter. During the time period from 12 to 18 weeks of age, the opportunity to socialize your puppy ends. It becomes more difficult to get the pup to accept and enjoy something that he’s initially wary of with each passing week.
After 18 weeks old: It may be difficult to teach a dog to like something new, or help him become comfortable with something he finds frightening.
Within the entire socialization period, your dog will have periods where they appear fearless, yet others times he or she may be very cautious at other times.
If you look closely at the time period above, it is interesting to note that puppies are geared to easily accept all new experiences when they are around their mother and littermates. As puppies age, get bigger and go out on their own; they then tend to be more cautious.
This represents just a brief example of Dog behavior. Dr Roadruck is very interested in behavior and training. He can be contacted via the following email address: O2Bcalm@gmail.com.
Written for the Akron Barberton Veterinary Clinic.
