Is 12 weeks too late to socialize a puppy?
Rick Boyle
2025-07-31 04:02:11
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Dog socialization is the process of exposing a puppy to as many new experiences as possible, ideally before 12 weeks of age. Helping a puppy become acclimated to all kinds of sights, sounds, and smells during the crucial three-month socialization period will make a big, permanent difference in their personality and shape how they will behave in new situations later in life. Fortunately, the oft-repeated adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” isn’t true. Dogs are naturally curious animals who are always learning and excited to absorb new experiences. So while it’s best for your furry pal to learn social skills early on, it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Socializing a mature dog is also possible, but will require some practice and training to help build your pup’s confidence. Remember that slow and steady wins the adult dog socialization race. It may take more time, but older dogs can learn new tricks and shed old habits.
Ernestina Padberg
2025-07-31 01:50:39
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People argue about if the socialization window closes at 14 or 16 weeks. I treated if like it was 16 weeks so I could fit more in. Remember it's quality over quantity, and they don't have to directly meet all the people - just SEE them. I got Annie at 12 weeks. Socialization was pretty exhausting - I prioritized it over everything else. Luckily, Annie was pretty unflappable. Our vet said she could go non-dog places starting at 1 week past 2nd vaccine (13 weeks). Before 13 weeks I carried her in my arms, took her in a shopping cart to Canadian Tire, to the vet, to pick up a crate I bought on Kijiji, to visit my sister, to my work on the weekend, etc. After 13 weeks, prior to 16 weeks we did the local transit station hub, walked downtown, did pet stores, other pet friendly stores, my aunt's, lots of neighbourhood walks where I asked anyone I met to meet my dog.
Koby Cassin
2025-07-30 23:36:09
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Puppies go through a critical socialization period from 6 to 16 weeks of age that will dramatically impact their behavior for the rest of their lives. I should note here that some experts in the field consider the socialization period to end as early as 12 weeks, and there is also some evidence to suggest differences in the optimal socialization window for different breeds. The fact is, “when she’s older” will be far too late. Beyond 16 weeks, something happens, new things, which before were accepted with cheerful curiosity and a wagging tail, are now met with suspicion. Anything that the pup has not already encountered is automatically assumed to be dangerous and scary. You may have met adult dogs who are fearful of everyday objects or unfamiliar people; in many cases, this is the end result of poor socialization during this all-important period. So when should you start actively socializing your puppy, right now, as soon as possible, from the very first day your new pup comes home, the clock is ticking.