The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says that early socialization is essential to a happy and well-adjusted puppy and that the benefits of early socialization outweigh the risks of infectious disease. According to AVSAB, behavioural issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under 3 years of age. To read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Position Statement on Puppy Socialization, please click here.