Proper socialization early in life is important for all puppies.

Behavioral problems, including fear, anxiety and aggression, are commonly encountered in dogs of all ages and are a frequent cause of euthanasia or abandonment. However, most canine behavioral experts agree that puppies who receive adequate socialization early in life are less likely to exhibit these types of behaviors.

Socialization early in life for puppies

Very young puppies are more likely to be out-going and curious and less likely to exhibit or display fear to new experiences or new acquaintances. In fact, the first 3-4 months of a puppy's life is the most important time for socialization because at this age, sociability is more likely to outweigh fear for the puppy. For this reason, it is advisable for puppies to be exposed to as many new experiences, new pets and new people as possible during this critical developmental time.

Balancing puppy socialization with the need to protect puppies from infectious disease

Unfortunately, this 3-4 month period of time when puppies are most easily socialized is also the time when puppies most easily succumb to infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper and others. These diseases can be a serious, even fatal, threat to puppies, so it is necessary to take steps to provide proper socialization while also protecting puppies from infection with these diseases.

Puppy socialization courses are becoming much more popular and are now easily accessible in most localities. Guidelines issued by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommend the following:

• puppy socialization should begin before completion of puppy vaccination series and should become the standard of care
• puppies can and should begin puppy socialization courses between 7-8 weeks of age
• all puppies participating in puppy socialization courses should receive at least one set of vaccinations and one "deworming" prior to beginning the course
• all puppies participating in puppy socialization courses should be kept up-to-date on vaccinations while enrolled in the course
• all puppies participating in puppy socialization courses should be disease and parasite-free
• puppy socialization courses should be held in areas which are easily cleaned and disinfected.

In addition, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior also recommends:

• All puppies should be handled from birth and should learn to accept manipulation of all body parts.
• Puppies should be allowed to explore their environment and should be encouraged to investigate and manipulate items in their environment.
• Puppies should be exposed to as many new people, new situations, places and other well-socialized animals as possible.
• Interactive toys should be provided for all puppies and may include tunnels, steps, chutes and other items which may stimulate the puppies curiosity and range of experiences.
• Puppies should be taken in the car as often as possible.
• Puppies should avoid dog parks and other areas which large numbers of dogs of unknown vaccination and health status frequent, particularly when these areas cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected.
• All training exercises should use positive reward-based training methods and avoid punishment- or dominance-based methods.

Early puppy socialization can be done in a manner which also keeps puppies safe from contagious diseases and early socialization will benefit both the puppy and the pet owner by producing a puppy which is more confident and outgoing and less likely to be fearful or aggressive.