Is 5 months too old to socialize a puppy?
Harley Kuhlman
2025-09-22 23:23:10
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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.
During this period, their brains are like tiny sponges – soaking up everything they experience and filing it away for the future.
Whatever puppies see at this age, they will consider a normal part of life as adults.
BUT… beyond 16 weeks, something happens.
New things, which before were accepted with cheerful curiosity and a wagging tail, are now met with suspicion.
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.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) feels so strongly about this issue that they published a position statement on puppy socialization in 2008, stressing that owners should be introducing their puppies to new places, people and other dogs prior to completing their vaccination series.
Your puppy will not be fully vaccinated until after she’s 4-5 months old.
If you wait until then, you’ve already missed your opportunity.
Anna Stamm
2025-09-22 23:03:49
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If my pup is 6 months or older and I don’t feel like I’ve properly socialized my pup, am I too late.
It’s not too late but it’s important for you to be careful with your socialization strategy.
If we’re talking about dogs over 6-7 months you’ve missed the critical time period when puppies are most impressionable because, even though they’re still young, your pup is starting to move into adolescence.
It’s about shifting from quantity of socialization to quality; if your pup doesn’t like socializing with certain breeds, don’t force it and just allow them to socialize with other pups.
Socializing doesn’t necessarily mean interaction: Don’t force interactions after a dog is 7-8 months if they’re still hesitant to be social.
Ideally socializing your puppy when they’re still within the impressionable stage is best but you’re not necessarily too late either.
Read also
- What is the 333 rule when it comes to dogs?
- When socializing a puppy, what should you not do?
- What should I be doing with my 11 week old puppy?
- Can my puppy meet people before the 2nd vaccination?
- How to socialize a puppy that's not fully vaccinated?
- What is the critical socialisation period for puppies?