What happens if a puppy is not socialized?

For these dogs, new people and other dogs can be scary. Some react fearfully. Others turn their fear into aggression. This can sometimes be the case with older rescue dogs taken from neglectful or abusive situations. But it can also happen with dogs who didn’t get the opportunity to mingle as a puppy – like during a pandemic quarantine. Fearful behavior when around strangers and/or other dogs. Behaviors might include flattened ears, lip licking, yawning, cowering, avoiding eye contact, and tail tucked between the legs. Aggressive behavior when around strangers and/or other dogs. Behaviors might include intent staring, holding ears erect, excessive barking, snarling, growling, and snapping. Dogs learn how to interpret the world around them between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. This is when they learn that other dogs can be friends and new people aren’t dangerous. Living with an unsocialized dog can be stressful, whether it hurts to see your dog so fearful or you’re terrified he’s going to hurt someone else.

Forcing him to meet someone he’s tentative to approach might actually backfire and reinforce any underlying fear. Similarly, plopping him in the middle of a sandpit when he’s only been on grass might cause undue stress. You can avoid the dangers of under-socialization with a well-constructed plan that addresses all of these potential problem areas. The secret to socialization success is to make sure that it’s always a positive experience for your puppy. Work through your puppy’s socialization checklist slowly, always allowing your pup to move at his own pace, and always making sure that he has an escape route from the action should he need it.