ANIMAL CARE AID

Questions? Email us at CenterforAnimalWelfare@usda.gov 

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Animal Care • AC-19-007

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Issued June 2019 • Reviewed February 2024

Socialization 

is gradual, positive exposure to as 

many different people, animals, sights, 

sounds, and smells as possible. 

This Animal Care Aid is part of a series developed to provide information about behavioral development in dogs. 

Refer to the other topics in the series for more information on maternal stress and the early rearing environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

Puppies also go through 

a fear period at 8–10 

weeks of age when they 

are extremely sensitive to 

bad experiences. 

HANDLE WITH CARE!

A single scary event 

can have lasting effects, 

and puppies can retain 

a specific fear (e.g., of 

people, dogs, objects, 

sounds) for their entire life. 

Why Is It Important?

A well-socialized 

dog is a better 

companion! 

It helps them 

learn appropriate 

behavior and 

social skills. These dogs will also have better coping 

skills enabling them to enjoy a wide range of 

activities with their family and other trusted people.

When Does It Happen?

Socialization 

occurs throughout a 

dog’s lifetime, but 

puppies are most 

sensitive during 

the socialization 

phase. This takes 

place at 3–12 weeks of age, with peak sensitivity 

at 6–8 weeks. If socialization opportunities are 

missed or restricted, dogs are at increased risk 

for fear responses to people, places, or objects; 

aggression; and learning problems.

How Do I Socialize My Puppy?

Gradually expose the puppy to a variety of 

environmental stimuli in a controlled way. 

Minimize any fearful experiences and maximize 

positive experiences. Let the puppy approach and 

retreat from any new 

object or person in his 

or her own time; do not 

force them. Introduce 

new things one or two 

at a time so the puppy 

is not overwhelmed by 

the experience. 

PRACTICAL TIP

Adult dogs need 

socialization too! 

It is important to maintain 

social experience and 

skills. Dogs that are well 

socialized at 3 months of 

age will become fearful if 

you do not reinforce their 

experiences and expose 

them to new ones. 

Providing breeding 

animals with 

positive socialization 

experiences throughout 

their lives can give 

them a good foundation 

for success if they are 

placed in a new home.

Socialization requires exposure to 

many different stimuli, including: 

l PEOPLE of different ages, races, and sexes

wearing different types of clothing such as

hats or winter coats.

l DOGS of different ages and breeds that are

well socialized themselves.

l OTHER ANIMALS such as cats, horses, birds, 

and rabbits.

l Things that move such as BIKES,

SKATEBOARDS, AND WHEELCHAIRS.

l Introduction to CRATE TRAINING, RIDING IN

A CAR.

l URBAN AND RURAL ENVIRONMENTS that have

different sounds, smells, and sights.

l A RANGE OF SOUNDS including music, sirens, 

vacuum cleaners, and other everyday noises.

It is important to support any fear with treats 

and patience. Signs of fear include trembling, 

hiding, running away, excessive barking or 

whining, aggression such as snapping or 

growling, or not moving (freezing). Manage 

group play and interactions with other dogs 

to minimize the 

risk of developing 

“bad” behaviors 

such as bullying 

and resource 

guarding.