Is it too early to socialize you Pup?

early socialization is very important to the development of a puppy Most people and some vets maintain that puppy socialization should wait until all their vaccines have been given and the pup is a bit older but studies have shown early socialization is essential to healthy puppy development. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior [AVSAB] states, that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive socialization earlier and before they are fully vaccinated.”

By waiting until a dog is old enough to have their vaccinations, they will already be past the critical socialization period which is between 8 to 12 weeks old. It is during this period that puppies should be exposed to different stimuli; people, sounds, environments and other dogs.

Owners who don’t expose their puppies to the real world experiences during the early developmental period run the risk of having a dog who develops behavioral problems stemming from fear and lack of confidence. These behavioral issues may present as fear-based aggression, anxiety, and inappropriate greeting and play behaviours.