Socialization is Key!

Socialize your pup safely with other dogs outside your own furry family members and with other people outside your immediate family members during the first 11 weeks of life. This is the critical socialization period and it is critically important to socialize your pup during this time! I do not recommend that you wait until your pup is fully vaccinated to begin socializing as their critical socialization period will have already passed. Instead, ensure they socialize safely with other dogs who meet 3 criteria: the other dog must be fully vaccinated, the other dog must be good with puppies (some dogs are good with other adult dogs but not so good with puppies), the other dog must be healthy and must have been in their current home for at least a month and healthy throughout that time. Don’t go to pet food stores or places where lots of dogs go until at least two full weeks after your pup is fully vaccinated. Socialize with other people by taking your pup to quiet social places like small hardware stores or plant nurseries where you can both carry your pup and put her/him down. Don’t take them to places that can be overwhelming for them such as downtown or to huge stores. Don’t take your pup to doggie parks until they are at least 5 months old and at least two full weeks after they have been fully vaccinated.