Socialization and Imprinting

Socialization is the most important part of a dog's early development. No matter what the temperament is; if the dog is not properly socialized this will create the dog to be afraid or uncertain in new environments. The temperament of a dog cannot be changed, but his attitude and character can be influenced by humans to an unbelievable degree. Studies have conclusively shown that the first sixteen weeks of a dog's life are of vital importance in determining his later behavior as an adult. Negligence by a breeder or new owner during this time can scar a puppy for life. A puppy can not go out to see the new world if the owner does not take him. We must begin this at an early age, by exposing the puppy to as much as possible. This does not only mean exposing him to friends and family that stop by to visit or your daily routines. You should expose him to any stimuli he may encounter at a later age, such as the sound of traffic, vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, children playing, bathing, elevators, car rides, etc.

What age should socialization begin?

1 day to 3 weeks old

For the first 5 to 7 days of the newborn's life, the mother will scarcely leave her litter. During this period the puppies depend on their mother for everything. They also depend on their littermates for warmth and comfort. At this stage environment plays no role in the newborn's life, since they have no ability to learn.

3 to 7 weeks old

At this stage of the puppy's life, they can see, smell, and hear. For the next 4 weeks the brain and nervous system are developing. Environment begins to play a very important role in their development. This is when they become aware of the new world that is around them, and this is a critical time in their life. Socialization and handling can begin at this point and individual attention should start. Although they will be getting much needed canine association from interaction with their littermates and discipline from their mother, human interaction is very important. It has been shown that puppies exposed to mildly stressful experiences from an early age (1-6 weeks) usually develop into dogs who are much more emotionally balanced than their counterparts raised without such stimulation. Pups need to be exposed to different surroundings, sights, sounds and textures. Life in the puppy kennel needs to be balanced with different environments and experiences that challenge curiosity and intelligence. From 5 to 7 weeks it is very important that the pups be handled individually by different people, both men, women and children, every day. Breeders who are genuinely concerned about their pups set aside quality time for daily encounters because they understand the importance of early socialization on the pups personality. Pups deprived of human contact and exposure to different stimuli can develop fearful reactions to people and grow up socially maladjusted. At this age in their life, they will start to show the established order of dominance in the litter.

7 weeks to 12 weeks old

At this stage of the puppy's life, they have an adult mind without any experience. This period is the ideal age for dog-human relationships to form. Formal puppy training can begin, if it is in a positive manner. Training should be in the form of a game, he would not realize that he is learning. You should make training a part of his daily activities. At this age the pup's attention span is short so keep training sessions short and positive. Extensive socialization to new experiences should continue during this period. You should continue intensive socialization with family and friends, take the pup on short car rides, as well as conditioning to a wide variety of common household appliances: blender, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, garage door opener. Make initial exposures gentle, switching on the appliance when your pup is well away from it, so that he can make a gradual approach. Do not force or drag him. Let your pup become accustomed to the noise and movement on his own. When introducing your pup to new people have them crouch down so as not to be as intimidating. Allow the pup to approach them when he is ready. Remember, learning and socialization should always be on a positive note. You are working to build your pups self-confidence. Between 8 & 10 weeks of age your puppy will go through his first fear/avoidance stage. This is a normal part of development and is indirectly responsible for puppies' bonding quickly with new owners. During this stage a pup tends to seek the presence and security of his master. Through this close contact with you his self-confidence grows.

12 weeks to 16 weeks old

At this age there are several different changes going on in the puppy's life, he is beginning to become more independent, getting into everything, along with the tendency to wander and get distracted easily. This can be a particularly trying time. At this time he requires you to give him a lot of individual attention, training should be in an area with little distraction, and human attachment should be developing. Your puppy will also have finished his puppy vaccination schedule and you can now broaden his environment by visiting parks and other areas plus enrolling in a puppy kindergarten class. If you haven't started socialization before he is 16 weeks old it is probably too late. At this age what he learns, good or bad habits, will be taught by you.

Do I stop socialization when he gets older?

As your dog matures his socialization must be kept up. You will not have to expose him to as much as was needed when he was a puppy, but you should continue to socialize your dog. This will make for a happier dog and owner. Your dog may also experience a second fear period between 16 & 24 weeks. He may be periodically cautious and fearful even to things he was formerly comfortable with. It is very important during this phase that you remain positive and supportive but you must also be careful not to encourage the behavior by praising the pup for incorrect actions. Since you should already be participating in or just completed puppy kindergarten/socialization classes you will have access to a trainer familiar with your pup who can evaluate your actions and insure that you are handling the situation correctly. It is very possible for an owner to accidentally reward incorrect behavior by consoling or giving treats while the pup is exhibiting fearful behavior.

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