When Should I Socialize My Puppy?

Socialization of your puppy is something that needs to begin immediately. As soon as your new puppy enters your home, you should ensure it is exposed to many different people of different ages and multitudes of environments. Exposing your puppy to these early stages of socialization in its life will help lay the groundwork for how it acts around people and other animals later on.   

As Daniel explains:

"I would always recommend socializing your dog from day one. Even when my dogs don't have all their shots - I'm not a vet - it doesn't matter. I'll take my dog down to high-traffic human areas, clean places, hold the dog in my arms or whatever - and let the dog just see the world, take the dog for car drives, you name it. But, I don't wait. I socialize dogs from day one."

In order to socialize your puppy, there are a few things you should do. Firstly, at around 3 to 3 1/2 months, you should feel confident about taking your puppy out in sanitary social situations. This doesn't mean letting it run wild in the park as you would older dogs. 

This means you find a controlled environment where they will be shielded from potentially hazardous situations. For example, Daniel says he will sometimes go sit in front of a grocery store, holding his puppy. It gives the puppy time to look around at different people, sights, noises, objects, smells, etc. while keeping them safe from hazards. 

Socializing a Young Puppy Safely

First, let's address the elephant in the room: Dog Parks. Contrary to popular belief, older dogs are in danger at the dog park, and it is certainly not a place for puppies or young dogs, particular. However, there are many safe environments you can take your puppy to where they can socialize safely. 

The main thing to look out for is it should be places where there is a lot of activity. If you want to teach your dog that loud noises, such as thunder, are not threatening, you may frequently visit the outside of a bowling alley, train station, or within earshot of an outdoor firing range. Sounds funny, but it will get your dog accustomed to hearing loud booms in the distance and how you always remain calm where they occur.

Or, if you have children, you may bring your puppy to pick up your kids and let them see all the other children running around, screaming, etc. It will familiarize your dog with kids and their noise level. Regardless of where you take your puppy, it's recommended that you gradually introduce them to whatever social environment you have in mind. If done correctly, socializing your puppy can have great benefits for both you and your pup's future health.