what is puppy socialization?

Socialization

Socialization is the process through which puppies learn what’s safe and good in life and what’s not. Anything you want your dog to calmly accept in adulthood, you must introduce her to repeatedly and in a positive way in her earliest months.

Why Is It Important?

Because early socialization is the key to getting a well-behaved and friendly adult dog.

If you miss this critical window of opportunity, normal behavioral development may make your puppy wary, even fearful, of new people, sights, sounds—and other dogs.

Your puppy needs to meet and learn to enjoy lots of new dogs, friendly people, curious kids, cars, and so on. Enrolling in our Puppy Day Care service and coming to our Puppy Socials accomplishes much of this important work for you.

What The Experts Say

• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s article on Puppy Socialization (PDF 30MB).
• Robert K. Anderson, DVM, Professor and Director Emeritus, Animal Behavior Clinic, University of Minnesota, article on Puppy Socialization and Vaccination (Word doc 70KB).

What To Do When My Puppy Is 6+ Months?

Your dog can graduate to one of our dog-walking groups. For only $25/day, your dog will get exercise and training on fun beach walks and trail hikes, probably with many of his buddies from day care.