Puppy Socialization Checklist
Congratulations on welcoming a new puppy into your life! If you want a happy, behaviorally normal adult dog that can join you on all your adventures for years to come, early socialization is the key ingredient to success.
Socialization is all about introducing your puppy to the world in a way that helps them feel confident and unafraid of the people, places, and things they’ll encounter throughout their life. The most crucial socialization window occurs before the age of 12 weeks, and starts to close around 5 months. So, let’s get your puppy off to a great start!
Creating positive experiences with new faces and places during puppyhood is much easier and more effective than trying to do so with an older dog. Pairing treats with all new experiences helps your puppy form positive associations and remember them fondly. If your puppy feels scared and refuses treats, dial down the intensity of the situation until they feel comfortable again—this might mean taking a step back or giving them a break.
Socialization also involves helping your puppy generalize their confidence across different situations, places, and contexts. Aim to give them lots of exposure to new things and people while reinforcing positive associations each time.
Ready for an adventure? Start today by downloading our puppy socialization checklist to keep track of your progress!
