AGE APPROPRIATE CONCEPTS

A “PUPPY” is a dog under a year old.

3 wks -14 wks

This is when puppies are most receptive to new experiences and are less cautious. 

Why is early socialization important?

• Behavior: Early socialization helps shape a puppy's behavior throughout their life. 

• Fear: Incomplete socialization can increase the risk of fear, avoidance, and aggression later in life. 

• Associations: Puppies' brains are developing social capabilities and associations during this time. 

How to socialize your puppy?

• Provide positive experiences: Reward good behavior with treats and praise. 

• Expose to new things: Expose your puppy to new sights and sounds in a safe and calm environment. 

• Observe for signs of stress: Look for signs like a tucked tail, licking lips, or yawning. 

• Remove your puppy if they're overwhelmed: If your puppy seems stressed, remove them from the situation so they don't associate it with fear. 

Who should socialize your puppy? 

• Breeder: The breeder should start socializing your puppy when they are still with their littermates.

• Foster parents or shelter staff: If your puppy is from a rescue or shelter, they should be socialized by the foster parents or shelter staff.

• You can continue to socialize your dog throughout their life, but it will be more difficult than when they were a puppy.

8 wks – 24 wks

• #1 is Potty training

• Dog feeling safe ALL the time

• No attacks

• SAFETY is paramount. Keep them safe.

• Let it sleep in the bed

• No corrections

• Introduce to leash but not important

5 mos – 9 mos

• Yikes ! – Chewing, nipping, jumping

• Redirection and satiation

• Their teeth are coming in and it is bothering them

• Startng walks if you want

• Easy recalls – no learned helplessness

9 mos – 1 yr

• Biggest Fear Period

• Nightmare on walks

• Witching hour zooms

• Tons of energy

• Looking up at the trees, people behind fences – distractable

• Brain is somewhere else

• Socialization is important

• Very hard time for the owner