Though a dog's
sensitive period of socialization typically ends around 4 - 5 months old, we recommend continuing to socialize your dog for at least the first year of their life.
Studies by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine agree that a puppy's
initial period of socialization begins at birth and lasts up to about 12 weeks (3 months) of age.
However, according to Bradshaw, in his book «In Defence of Dogs — Why Our Dogs Need Our Understanding» there may be
more periods of socialization, that go on for -LSB-...]
For this reason, we refer to
this period of socialization as the sensitive period of development.
When we speak to our clients regarding
these periods of socialization it is important to explain each period and the results of poor development during each period.
Getting them to meet lots of dogs when they are still in
the period of socialization will help to reduce the likelihood of this becoming a problem for your puppy later on.
However, socialization must occur during puppyhood — during the critical
period of socialization, which ends when puppies are 12 — 13 weeks old.
Researchers found that dogs had a «
period of socialization» that lasted between three and 12 weeks, which helped determine which behaviors were normal or not.
Therefore, during
the period of socialization, we encourage you to expose your dog to as many types of social events and influences as possible.
Therefore, during
the period of socialization, we encourage you to expose your cat to as many types of social situations and influences as possible.
This will be a way to take your puppy out of the house once a week where he will be exposed to many new situations during a critical
period of socialization.
Before they are eight weeks old — and the critical
period of socialization is almost two - thirds over — puppies need to have been handled and trained by at least 100 different people.
Indeed,
the period of socialization is critical in terms of its crucial importance in producing a friendly companion dog.
Consequently, the Critical
Period of Socialization was deemed not to commence until three weeks of age.
After 16 weeks, the critical
period of socialization is over for good.
Therefore, during
the period of socialization, you should expose your cat to as many types of social events and influences as possible.
A: You may be totally on target concerning Spazzie being handled too little during his critical
period of socialization, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Jacqui Nielson of Portland, OR.
The critical
period of socialization and training lasts for the pup's entire life.
Therefore, during
the period of socialization, you are encouraged to expose your dog to as many types of social events and influences as possible.