What is The Puppy Socialization Period? A once-in-their-lifetime period of neurological development when puppies are most receptive and flexible to new experiences and are forming impressions at warp-speed about their environment. It's essential to expose them in a positive, supported, and controlled manner to a wide variety of people, animals, sights, sounds, surfaces, handling, and environments during this time to promote healthy social development and prevent or decrease risk of fear and aggression issues later in life. Why is Puppy Socialization important? During this window puppies are taking in information about the world at an astounding rate. You might think of processing this information into two categories - safe and unsafe interactions. Data consistently shows that if puppies are prohibited from socialization until after 14 weeks, they lean toward considering novelty unsafe (which keeps them safe) and may lean toward fearful in new situations. These dogs often function well within a restricted social situation such as at home, but are more prone to fear and reactivity among the unfamiliar outside the house. When should I sign my puppy up? Our requirement for admittance is that the puppy be home 10 days to ensure they are free from illness, have received first round of vaccinations, and first round of dewormer. Do not frequent dog parks during your participation in this program.
