Hunter's Heart Brittanys

"Socialization is a process through which a social creature learns how to cope and interact in the outside world. All parents know that children need to mix with others to learn about the world around them. Well-socialized children usually become well-adjusted adults, and puppies are much the same. Young dogs need to learn about their environment, about people, children and other dogs, so that they are not fearful of them in later life and know how to react to them socially."

- Sarah Whitehead, Dog: The Complete Guide

Socializing puppies is extremely important for healthy, well-adjusted adult dogs. Dogs certainly aren't people. But if you doubt the importance of socialization, consider what would happen to a human child left on a desert island by himself. If found by other people years later, he'll have difficulty learning to speak. Difficulty behaving in a way that doesn't seem strange to the average person. Difficulty dealing with life in the average home or school or city. It's not that he couldn't learn. But it would be more difficult than if he'd been socialized at an early age. I think the idea behind socializing puppies is similar.

Breeders can and should accomplish lots of socialization by the time the puppies go to their new homes (at 8 to 10 weeks). But all puppy owners should continue socialization. Some experts describe a "secondary socialization phase" between 5 and 15 months: that's an important opportunity. (And if you're an adult dog's second owner, it's not too late to improve your dog's socialization either. Older dogs do go through some growing up stages all over again in their new home. )

For a list of things to do to socialize your puppy see our "How to Socialize Puppies" article. If we missed including something, or you have suggestions for other things you’ve found helpful, please Contact Us.