Q: Is playing with other dogs all the socialization my puppy needs?

A: Puppies have an adult learning brain at 8 weeks old, so it’s recommended to start training and socializing ASAP.

Dogs go through a critical socialization period until 16 weeks (4 months) old. This means that during this time, most pups can roll with the punches really well! Puppies should be exposed to as many new dogs, animals, stimuli, people, and environments as safely as possible. After 16 weeks, it can be difficult for some dogs to adapt to an ever changing world.

But there is the catch — too much, too fast can cause excessive fear, withdrawal, or avoidance behaviors. Here are some tips to properly socialize your puppy:

Start with these categories: handling (paws or ears), unfamiliar people (fireman or toddlers), other animals (farm or pets), new surfaces (slippery or stairs), scary sounds (lawn mower or thunder), objects (bikes or cars), environments (pet friendly stores or street corners).

Let the puppy choose. Do not force them to do something or meet someone they are scared of or don’t want to do.

Give them lots of breaks. We live in an intense world. Breaks will help them re-set. Also try to turn neutral experiences into positive ones. A neutral experience means nothing good and nothing bad happens. If you add something great to a neutral experience, the puppy will learn to love new adventures.

Reward your puppy for being brave. If he decides to go, do, or see something new, praise or treat him.

Meet 100 people in 100 days. From friends to Firemen, take your pup out on the town. Don’t forget about people in Halloween-like costumes, boots, hats, sunglasses, people with umbrellas, etc.

Read your puppy’s stress or nervous cues. If your puppy shows they are uncomfortable, adjust, change, leave, or stop what you are doing.

Don’t stop at 4 months old! Yes, the Critical Socialization Period is over, but life isn’t, so keep getting your dog out there. If the handler has done their job up to this point, continued socialization can be a breeze.

Your dog can learn their obedience manners any time after 8 weeks old, but they only have a socialization period for 16 weeks. Get out there and happy socializing!

About the Expert

The owner of Animal Intuitions, Amber Walker is an award-winning dog trainer, certified through the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Behavior and Training. Amber also holds a degree in zoology and has appeared on local and national television as an expert in positive reinforcement training.

With over 11 years of professional training experience, Amber has worked with a wide range of animals, from dolphins, walruses and otters to puffins, monkeys and alligators at places like Brookfield Zoo, Alaska Sealife Center and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

For more information about Amber and Animal Intuitions, visit the website at www.AItrainers.com or call 630-53-PUPPY.