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Puppy Socialization: Checklist Printable PDF, Socialization Windows & Tips for Socializing a Puppy | Pupford

December 11th, 2023

Filed under New Puppies

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Puppy socialization is one of the most important (and underestimated) parts of raising a dog.

Getting your puppy's socialization right (or wrong) can make or break so many important behaviors for the rest of their life.

Some of the most common questions for first-time puppy parents are when you should begin socializing your pup, who to introduce them to, and how to socialize them properly.

Here’s what I'll cover in this article:

When to Socialize a Puppy - What's the "Socialization Window"?

puppy socialization techniques and tips | Pupford

Before we talk about when to socialize a puppy, let's take a fun little quiz.

No real grades, just for fun!

It’s important for your pup to be exposed to new people, animals, and environments within the first 3 months of life.

I'll repeat that...

THE most important time window for socialization is when your puppy is less than 3 months old. 

Generally speaking, the most important window for socialization is from 8 weeks to 3 months old. According to the AVSAB, you should make sure your pup has their first set of vaccines and deworming at least 7 days before socialization with other pups.

During this time of their life, sociability outweighs fear so it’s a great opportunity to help them adapt to the world without causing them too much stress or overwhelming them. 

For a really in-depth article with some quality research and citations, check out this article from the AVSAB about socialization.

During the first few months of your pup’s life, encourage them to explore and investigate. This time is key to helping them grow up to be an outgoing and social dog.

You can help them at home by putting interactive toys in their play area and allowing them to experience steps, tunnels, and other stimuli. Playing games with your pup is a great way to help them become sociable.

When you are out for walks and playdates, expose them to a variety of surfaces including grass, cement, turf..etc. (We will cover more of this later.)

INTRODUCING YOUR PUP TO NEW PEOPLE, PLACES & EXPERIENCES

It’s important to reinforce positive behavior while introducing your puppy to all of these new things. Developing positive associations with these new environments and people is key to helping them adapt and understand what to do and what not to do in the future.

Training treats are a great way to reward your pup for good behavior in these new situations.

Stash a handful of treats in your pocket wherever you go with your new puppy and be sure to verbally recognize good behavior as well as provide them with a treat. 

You never want to force your pup to socialize or interact with a new environment. If they seem nervous and uneasy, that’s a sign that you need to give them a little distance from whatever they are frightened of.

Pushing them too hard to interact with someone or be in a place where they are visually uncomfortable could end up in them negatively responding to that person or place in the future. If they seem too excited (barking, aggressively pulling, cowering) give them space and distance yourself from whatever is causing the excitement. 

In this video, Zak George, expert dog trainer, teaches pup parents some key tips on socializing your puppy.

He shows how to handle when your pup reacts to its environment and what to do to encourage positive behavior. As an example, he takes a new puppy to a Garden Center and shows how to make them comfortable in this first-time environment and what to do to help them socialize with other people. 

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION CHECKLIST + FREE PRINTABLE VERSION

puppy getting socialized by being held in arms | Pupford

During the first 3 months of your pup’s life, make sure you expose them to as many types of situations, people, and sounds.

Your goal with each item/person/sound/etc. on the checklist is to create a positive experience surrounding it within the first 8-12 weeks of your dog's life. Of course, try to avoid neutral or negative experiences.

One of the best ways to ensure positive moments is with reinforcers, especially treats and food. Specifically for the people section, try to get each type of person to pet, interact with, and give your dog a treat or two!

If your pup reacts with fear, over-arousal, or avoidance, take a step back and slowly reintroduce said person/object/item/etc.

Never rush your dog into situations that could overwhelm them. It's not a race!

If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for the 100% free online dog training course, 30 Day Perfect Pup with Zak George! Get access to videos & tips covering biting, leash walking, potty training and more. Sign up for free here! 🐶 

PRINTABLE SOCIALIZATION CHECKLIST FOR DOGS & PUPPIES

Before we get to the full checklist below in text format, you can download and print this PDF version!

Here's an example of one of the pages (there are multiple). We've included check boxes next to each one so you can keep track of your puppy's progress through the checklist!

example of a puppy socialization checklist for new puppies | Pupford

For a printable version of the PDF checklist, click here.

Socializing Your Puppy With People Checklist

Remember to get each of the following people to interact with, pet, and give your dog a treat or two!

  • Women
  • People of different ethnicities
  • Tall men
  • Men with deep voices
  • Men with beards/facial hair
  • Elderly people
  • People in wheelchairs
  • People who use canes/crutches
  • People wearing hoods/hats
  • People wearing helmets
  • People wearing sunglasses
  • People wearing a variety of colors
  • People wearing backpacks
  • Infants
  • Crawling infants
  • Toddlers
  • Multiple toddlers playing loudly
  • People running
  • Homeless people
  • Teenagers

Socializing Your Puppy to Animals Checklist

  • Other puppies
  • Adult dogs
  • Large breeds (Great Dane, Mastiff)
  • Very small breeds
  • As many different breeds as possible
  • Cats
  • Horses
  • Other livestock like cattle, goats, pigs, etc.
  • Pet birds
  • Hamsters, pet rats, etc.

Socializing Your Puppy to Surface Types Checklist

  • Concrete
  • Artificial grass/turf
  • Slick floors (linoleum, hardwood)
  • Stairs (carpet and concrete)
  • Different carpets
  • Wet grass
  • Mud and dirt
  • Icy areas and snow
  • Metal surfaces (vet scale, etc.)
  • Uneven terrain and rocky areas

Socializing Your Puppy to Handling/Touching Checklist

The earlier you can start on this type of socializing, the better!

  • Outside of ears
  • Inside of ears (not into the ear canal)
  • Outside of mouth area
  • Inside of mouth area (be gentle)
  • Back teeth
  • Eye area (be careful)
  • Paws
  • Nail areas specifically
  • Pinching skin
  • Grabbing tail
  • Nose
  • Holding in arms
  • Holding on lap
  • Wiping body with a towel
  • Wiping paws with a towel
  • Wiping face with a towel
  • Handling by collar
  • Putting on collar/harness
  • Being brushed/combed
  • Hugging/squeezing puppy softly

Socializing Your Puppy to Sounds Checklist

Again, remember to introduce these sounds slowly and carefully. For some sounds, consider using speakers with that sound or something similar to control the volume. For more information on how to desensitize your dog to sounds, read here.

As a note, you can get access to dozens of free (or pay for 100+) socialization and desensitization dog training sounds here!

  • Other animal sounds (goat, pig, etc.)
  • Crane/construction machinery
  • Fireworks
  • People cheering
  • Smoke alarm/security alarm
  • Thunder/gunshots
  • Ambulance/police siren
  • Doorbell/knocking on the door
  • Vacuum cleaner (Related Reading: How to Get Your Dog Used to a Vacuum)
  • Dishwasher, washing machine/dryer

Socializing Your Puppy to Vehicles Checklist

  • Skateboards/longboards
  • Bicycles
  • Large garbage cans
  • Baby strollers
  • Shopping carts
  • Carts honking
  • Buses
  • Motorcycles
  • Metal surfaces (vet scale, etc.)

Socializing Your Puppy to Environments Checklist

  • Busy street
  • Busy sidewalk
  • Park with other dogs
  • Park with lots of people
  • Park with lots of children
  • Parking lots
  • Shopping areas (pet-friendly)
  • Inside business buildings
  • Inside other people's homes
  • Dog-friendly events
  • Street markets and fairs
  • Restaurant patios
  • Sporting events (as allowed)
  • Skate park/biking area
  • Lakes and ponds
  • Streams and rivers
  • Unfamiliar neighborhoods
  • Vet office
  • Grooming/boarding stores
  • Running races/similar events

Socializing Your Puppy to Objects Checklist

  • Cooking pots and pans
  • Brooms/mops
  • Blankets/rugs being shaken
  • Balloons
  • Umbrellas
  • Garbage bag being opened
  • Bags blowing in the wind
  • Soccer/basketball
  • Computers
  • TV/Video game noises
  • Garbage cans with lids
  • Metal type surfaces
  • Clicker (for training)

Puppy Socialization Classes and More

what to look for in a puppy socialization class | Pupford

There are many options for you when training and socializing your pup in their early years.

You can attend puppy classes, which will help them get to know other people and dogs! Plus, you can learn behaviors like sit, stay, come and other basic skills.

You can also meet other pup parents and potentially set up playdates!

Playdates are a great way to socialize your pup in new environments such as parks, other homes, and grass/cement/mud/wood surfaces. 

What To Look For in a Puppy Socialization Class

  • Is it indoors or outdoors?
  • What is the environment like (surfaces, gates...etc)?
  • Are there tunnels, bridges, and interactive play areas for your dog to experience?
  • Is it clean? 
  • Does it smell?
  • What are the required vet records and vaccines?
  • What is the typical class size?
  • What is the size of the area where the class will be?
  • What types of personalities do the class “trainers” have?
  • What type of certifications do the class "trainers" have?
  • Do the class "trainers" or leaders follow positive reinforcement methods
  • Read reviews and recommendations on the class online!

Signed up for puppy classes? Great!

Puppy play dates on the calendar? Excellent!

But that’s not all!

During this time of your dog’s life, you want to have consistent training and reinforcement in the home, as often as possible.

At-home training classes, such as 30 Day Perfect Pup with Zak George, are also a great way to ensure your dog’s perfect behavior.

You should always be practicing your training program and have your pal’s favorite training treats on hand as rewards for good behavior!

🐶 If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for the 100% free online dog training course, 30 Day Perfect Pup with Zak George! Get access to videos & tips covering biting, leash walking, potty training and more. Sign up for free here! 🐶  

Introducing Your Puppy to Other Dogs

puppy being introduced to other dog | Pupford

Puppies (and even older dogs) can truly benefit from being introduced to other dogs in a controlled setting, rather than a crowded dog park.

Before bringing your pup to an environment with other dogs, try to tire them out a little by playing fetch and other games with their favorite toys. 

A neutral area is recommended for dogs to meet for the first time, such as a park, where all dogs are on leashes.

Start by letting them sniff each other, with a loose leash. Let them explore each other and play.

It’s common for some dogs to play rough but if you feel as though they are playing too rough, go ahead and break it up. The priority is for the dogs to get to know each other, so do not include any toys or distractions.

Remember, just because a puppy is okay with one dog - that doesn’t mean they will be automatically used to all dogs! 

For more information on introducing your pup to other dogs, check out this video from Zak George!

Recap of Puppy Socialization

It's important to remember that the early months of your puppy's life are the most important for socialization.

Seek to expose them to as many people, experiences, places, sounds, and objects during this time. And of course, keep those interactions positive! Feel free to print out the checklist here.

What are some unique experiences you’ve had with your new puppy? How are they adapting to new environments and people?

Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

PS- If you're looking for help with desensitizing your puppy to certain sounds, you can do it with the help of our app! You can access dozens of sounds for free and pay (low cost) for 100+ sounds. Learn more about dog desensitization sounds here!

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