How to Socialize Your Dog
(Even Through Fear)

K9 socialization is a critical phase of your puppy’s life. In fact, it’s so important that it will set the tone for any and all interactions for the rest of their life.

In this post, Fran Menley our Head Training & Behavior Modification Expert, explains how to properly socialize your canine even during periods of fear.

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Canine socialization is when a puppy develops important bonds and relationships in his world and learns how to act, react and behave with confidence (or not).

Dr. Sophia Yin, an internationally recognized pioneer and expert in the field of animal behavior, defines the puppy’s sensitive period for socialization:

“From about 3 weeks to about 3 months of age, puppies are primed for bonding to other animals and individuals, for learning that objects, people, and environments are safe, and for learning what the body cues and signals of others mean.”

But, even the most social puppy can potentially face new fears before the end of their first year. Objects, people and situations he was once comfortable around can suddenly cause him anxiety and fear. But it’s not the time to slack off with their regular socialization!

By properly continuing his socialization, you will help him avoid creating lifelong fears or phobias. Left unchecked, these fears could lead to aggressive behaviors and dangerous consequences as the puppy grows larger and stronger without proper confidence.

What Socialization Must Include

Most vets, dog training and behavior experts encourage socialization classes and practice. But puppy socialization is more than just exposing a young dog to many people, environments and situations.

Critical goals from socialization must include:
1. A positive experience; and
2. Learning something positive.

It’s this kind of socialization that will set the puppy up for success for the rest of his life.

It’s also important to:
• Start socialization early.
• Always supervise all socialization experiences and interactions!
• Always make each experience fun, positive and calm!
• Never force your puppy to accept a new situation, object, person or experience. This can reinforce their anxiety or fear and remain for their entire life.
• Never overwhelm your puppy with sights, sounds and smells, situations, people, dogs and other pets. Allow them to learn and explore at their own comfortable pace.

Puppy Socialization: Recommendations

The more interactions and experiences you can offer your pup in a safe setting increases his chances of being a confident and well-adjusted dog ready to face the world with great social skills. Remember to keep these experiences positive and calm with toy and treat rewards for wanted behaviors!

Socialization should include:

• Unfamiliar people outside the household of all sizes, genders, ages (including children) and ethnicities. Also expose the puppy to different clothing, hats, hoods, boots, etc.

• Other pets and animals and discourage barking, lunging or chasing.

• Walking your puppy on all different surfaces (grass, snow, frost and water).

• Man-Made Objects (garbage cans, bikes, skateboards and wheelchairs), Loud noises (cars, trucks and thunder) and Environments (city vs rural).

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Click here for the “Puppy Socialization Checklist” for more samples of effective socialization experiences.
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Puppy Socialization: Periods of Fear

Even the best socialization experiences and exercises can be challenged by 2 distinct periods of fear your puppy may naturally experience.

1. The First Fear Period
• About 8-12 weeks of age
• This period is usually defined by fear of objects more than situations.
• It may last a few days or a week.

2. The Second Fear Period
• About 8-12 months of age (can also be as early as 6 months)
• This period is usually defined by fear of situations more than objects.
• Lasts longer than the first period; sometimes several weeks.

If your puppy begins to display new fears, reach out to an experienced trainer. Find one who is familiar with canine fear periods (we can help!) for professional help in addressing these newfound fears in a positive way before they escalate and become part of your puppy’s future.

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Additional Reading

Puppy Socialization: Stop Fear Before It Starts
Puppy Behavior and Training – Socialization and Fear Prevention
Puppy Socialization
Puppy Socialization and the Sensitive Period: When Is It and Is It Important?