free puppy play

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a strong position on this subject and believes it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive socialization before they are fully vaccinated. Early socialization and positive training can go a long way towards preventing behavior problems and improving bonding between humans and dogs.

Dogs go through critical stages in their behavioral development. One of those critical stages is the socialization period. Generally, this period takes place between 3 to 12 weeks and this is when puppies learn:

• interaction etiquette with other dogs and people
• which animals are friends versus foes
• if they have plenty of positive interactions with unfamiliar dogs, they learn dogs in general are friendly and fun to be around
• basics of interacting in a social group
• play solicitation behaviors and playing too rough or using your mouth too hard makes all the fun go away

If puppies miss out on this socialization period they often become:

• fearful of unfamiliar dogs and people
• lack proper dog-dog communication skills
• have poor dog greeting skills
• become bullies that push other dogs around