Socializing Your New Puppy
By Diana Day, Hobo’s Healing Heart Board Member
You have just added a new member of your family, a four-legged furry child. One of the most important things you should do with your new pup is socialization. Socialization is the process of introducing him to the world in a way that will create positive associations to help him be confident and unafraid of people, places, things, sounds, textures, or anything else he might come into contact with.
Pups enjoying some socialization at the 2025 0.5K Crow Peak Challenge
The process of socialization is best done between 12 weeks and five months of age. If your new puppy is older than five months of age, you should still attempt to socialize him. Your puppy might be fine with other animals and people in your home, but that does not mean he will be okay with others outside your home. The primary fear period starts at four months of age and may last until 18 months. It is important to try and begin socialization before that time period.
The socialization process should involve letting your puppy be exposed to many different situations and making socialization fun for him. Go at his pace and let him retreat if needed to feel safe. Your puppy should be handled from an early age to learn to accept people touching, petting, and hugging him. Use high-value treats with exposure to create a positive experience. For example, if your puppy does not like having his feet touched, give him a treat after a touch of the paw. If he will not take food, that means you should back off and try a briefer touch of the paw. Or, if he is near children and is afraid, take him at a farther distance and gradually work him in closer. In young puppies, neutral feelings can become negative feelings, and positive feelings can become neutral feelings. It is important to create positive feelings. Be aware that exposure is not socialization.
Erica Harvey working with her pup Mabel. Click the photo to read her blog “3 Special Tricks for A Successful Pet Session”
Some things to try with your pup are hearing household appliances, going for a car ride, having visitors to your home, or seeing someone riding a bicycle. Make sure to take lots of treats to make the experience fun for him!
We must remember that there are certain inherent traits within different breeds that will affect how they react to different situations. Do your research and know what traits your new pup has so you can be aware of them. There are puppy socialization classes available that can offer a safe and organized way of socializing puppies. Check your local resources for availability. It is disheartening to know, according to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, that behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters.
Enjoy your new pup, socialize him, and make him the best addition to your family!
Special thanks to Brenda Belmonte of Happy Tails Dog Training for assistance in writing this article.
