Puppy Socialization

Puppies between 8 and 16 weeks go through two important socialization stages. This is the perfect time to safely introduce them to all kinds of people, places, and experiences to help them grow into happy, confident dogs. I recommend doing an internet search to find as many puppy socialization checklists as you can—there are a few suggestions to help get you started.

People:
Expose your puppy to people of different ages, appearances, and clothing styles. Think about variety—tall, short, young, old, with accessories like hats, sunglasses, or backpack.

Surfaces:
Introduce your puppy to as many surfaces as possible—smooth, rough, uneven, wobbly, and even slippery ones like glass or metal grates.

Animals:
Let them see and safely interact with a variety of animals, including other dogs, cats, farm animals, and small pets.

Noises:
Get them comfortable with a range of sounds, from quiet and subtle to loud and sharp. Include common household sounds, outdoor noises, and unexpected sounds like clapping or alarms.

Spaces:
Help them explore tight spaces (small rooms, tunnels) and wide-open areas (fields, large sidewalks).

Lighting:
Show them different lighting conditions, including bright sunlight, dim spaces, and complete darkness.

Moving Objects:
Introduce them to elevators, escalators, automatic doors, bikes, and even strollers or wheelchairs.

Unusual Experiences:
Think about anything else that could be new or strange to your puppy—umbrellas, costumes, water features, or car rides.