puppy socialization

Puppy socialization is the process of exposing young dogs to a variety of people, environments, and experiences to help them develop into well-adjusted adults. Ideally, this should occur between 3 and 16 weeks of age, as this is a critical period for their emotional and behavioral development. Socialization helps reduce fear and anxiety, preventing behavioral issues later in life. It includes interactions with different surfaces, sounds, other animals, and gentle handling by various people. Positive experiences during this stage promote confidence and comfort in new situations, creating a well-behaved and sociable dog.