Socialization is the process during which the puppy develops relationships with other living beings in its environment. Two other important terms in a pup s development are habituation and localization . Habituation is the process whereby dogs get used to repeated stimuli, and stop reacting to them provided that there are no untoward consequences.
Localization is the process by which the puppy develops attachment to particular places.
Early handling and events that occur during the first 2 to 4 months of life, are critical factors in the social development of the dog. Dogs that receive insufficient exposure to people, other animals and new environments during this time may develop irreversible fears, leading to timidity or aggression. The genetics of the breed and of the parents in particular play an important role in how sociable, playful, fearful, excitable, or domineering a puppy becomes. Of course, there is a great deal of variability between individuals, so that breed and parental behavior will not always be indicative of what the puppy will be like. Puppy assessment Even the most social and playful of puppies may become fearful and aggressive as they develop out of puppyhood.