Safe Puppy Socialization

Many puppy owners are understandably confused by conflicting opinions on whether it's best to keep pups isolated from other animals until they are fully immunized, or whether insuring they are properly socialized during their critical developmental stage is more important.

Some veterinarians, trainers and even breeders will advise puppy owners not to place their puppy on the ground until they are fully immunized. This advice may be well meaning, but is not in the best interest of your pups future behavior.

Socializing your puppy early is VERY IMPORTANT!

Keeping your puppy completely inside until they're fully vaccinated can have negative behavioral effects. Puppies go through a "critical socialization period" until about 14 weeks of age. Lack of exposure to new people, dogs, sounds and new experiences during this time can lead to fear and reactivity later in life. You cannot get this time back so it’s important to start as soon as your puppy comes home.

According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), "it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive socialization [puppy classes] before they are fully vaccinated." "Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class."

The unfortunate consequences of unsocialized puppies maturing into unsocialized adult dogs is far more serious than the risk of your partially immunized puppy contracting an illness.  Is there a risk? Yes. So it must be done carefully and thoughtfully. Learning how to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits will ensure your pups success.

The good news is that there are SAFE ways to socialize your puppy.

Safe Puppy Socialization

  • Puppy kindergarten classes (with a certified, positive reinforcement trainer!)

  • Meeting fully-vaccinated adult dogs that you know are great with puppies

  • Having a picnic with friends (bring a blanket to sit on!)

  • Going to Home Depot or Lowes and putting your puppy in the cart (with a blanket or bed!)

  • Bring a pop-up playpen to family gatherings and let people hold and interact with them.

  • Take them for lots of short rides in the car and to places other than the vet.

 

Unsafe Puppy Socialization

We are NOT suggesting that you take your brand new, unvaccinated puppy to the dog park or all around town. Disease risks are real! We recommend avoiding:

  • taking your puppy to places like the dog park,

  • letting them wander around the vet's office,

  • letting them walk on the floor of Petco, PetSmart or similar store with adoption events,

  • taking them to busy places or parks with tons of unknown dogs,

  • letting them meet unknown dogs on leash, or

  • Taking them to doggie daycare.

Puppy Socialization for Fully Vaccinated Puppies 

When we talk about "fully vaccinated," we are talking about puppies that received their DAP/DHPP vaccinations at 8-9 weeks old, followed by a booster at 11-12 weeks, and again at 14-15 weeks. One weeks after puppies receive this third round, they're considered to be "fully vaccinated", usually by 16 weeks of age.

Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, it opens up many more socialization options. Now is the time to walk through Petco/Petsmart, Home Depot, Lowes and any other big box store or small pet friendly store allowing non-service dog animals. Stash a ziplock bag in your purse or shopping cart with a couple paper towels and some wet wipes. If the worst happens, you are prepared and can quickly contain any mess and throw it away. Trust me, the stores have all seen it before, just handle it quickly and efficiently and keep going. These are great places for meet and greets with new people, loud sounds and new sights.

I’m personally not a fan of dog parks. There always seems to be that one dog, coming in hot and looking for trouble and their owner is oblivious. There is no professional on hand to control the situation and a panicked, scared puppy can be hard to rescue when surrounded by other dogs of various sizes. One bad encounter, can negatively impact your puppy’s future associations with other dogs. If you love the idea of dog parks, just wait until after your puppy's first year.

Remember, your job for puppy socialization is lots of positive experiences!

Recommended Positive Reinforcement Trainers

Clickstart Dog Academy in Orange County, CA - puppy socialization class

Bella Woof in La Jolla, CA - puppy socialization class

Dog Gone Good in Bay Area, CA

Sirius Dog Training in Berkeley, Campbell, Los Gators, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Ramon, Santa Clara & Walnut Creek