How to do Early Puppy Socialization - Advice, Research, Power Tips

—————TIME STAMPS—————

Scott and Fuller 1:32
Drs. Brennen and Hughes 3:10
Dr. R.K. Anderson’s Open Letter 4:59
AVSAB Position Statement 5:41
Socialization Power Tips 6:31
Closing 12:18

—————RESOURCES—————

Dr. R.K. Anderson’s Open Letter

The AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization (great info)

Scott & Fuller’s book "Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog"

Dr. Ian Dunbar’s book "Before and After You Get Your Puppy"

You can also get the free eBook version of Dr. Dunbar’s book on our website:

Dr. Dunbar’s book is also available for free on Dog Star Daily

We also really love Dr. Sophia Yin’s book The Perfect Puppy in 7 Days

And if you’re raising a working puppy, we absolutely love Michael Ellis’s DVD

See the full, unedited interview with Drs. Brennen and Hughes

Lake Road Animal Hospital and Kennels

Our article and free handout on Classical Conditioning

Simpawtico’s Puppy Training playlist on YouTube

—————MORE SIMPAWTICO—————

This is one of the best ways to support what we do!

Visit the Learning Center on our website for guides, downloadable handouts, and more!

In this video, Ian Stone from Simpawtico Dog Training discusses early puppy socialization, probably the most important thing you’ll do with your puppy. We interview veterinarians, list some of the research from the world’s top organizations, and give you a run-down of some great strategies to get you going strong!

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the post above are “affiliate links.” If you click the link and purchase the item, Simpawtico Dog Training, LLC will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally that we believe will add value to our viewers. Your price is the same whether you use the affiliate link or not.

[Jackal_Blitz]

This topic is no joke. I thought I was doing well by taking my puppy to training class, puppy play times, and around town in the car as often as I could. Then, all of a sudden, he lost his mind barking protectively at a lady in the Taco Bell drive thru! Ian is so right in this video - do NOT take any exposure opportunity for granted. You never know what silly little thing will set your dog off.

[NP-sdmd]

So i really like the increased emphasis on research in this video. A mix of concrete references like professional interviews, direct quotes, and book/site recommendations, with bullet summaries. It supports the philosophy in your videos being built on an objective foundation. Working all that into a single video can’t be easy, but i think it makes its points clearer then distilled opinion alone. Would love to see more.

[FairlyUnknown]

These types of videos should be mandatory before adopting or purchasing a puppy/dog. It's baffling the sheer amount of people who don't even know they need to train their dog yet they jump in and get one anyway "because it's cute."

[nancynewlin]

I’ve watched A LOT of dog training videos and have taken all of my dogs to puppy training over the past 30 years, but your videos are so well organized (I LOVE bullet points!) and provide such useful information that I’m going to watch all of them before I get my schnoodle puppy in early 2023. At that time, winter weather and her toy size will definitely factor into how I can get as much (appropriate) socialization accomplished as possible.

[Lillypad]

I'm guessing someone has already requested a video for socializing an older dog. I got a rescue and would love more information. I have the patience and time but none of the know how. Greatly appreciated. Subscribed for life😁

[ThatHuskyisCrazy]

We got our dog at 8 weeks and started socialization right away. Before that he had his litter mates. Young puppies have some degree of immunity form their mothers. Our local Petco has free puppy play on the weekends.

[NarumiChIan]

I found your channel a couple days ago and have been binge watching all of your videos, thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge with us!

[suefischer]

This guy really knows his stuff! After 60 years and having raised 9 dogs, six different breeds, I can honestly say that I have learned from having each one. This time I have chosen a toy /miniature breed and am feeling a little anxious about this small dog. I head to the internet and find Ian, thank goodness and looking forward to any info or wisdom he could impart on behalf of Marnie and myself. WE, ll be watching! Please use my first name only. Thank you

[nadstm]

I really liked this video but with the covid-19 situation puppy schools are no longer running. Would love some tips on socializing puppies during this unique time

[sandyg]

I love your point about the vaccines. Wanting to do the "right" thing for my puppy, I listened to my vet and waited. Ugh, that was a huge mistake! I will never make that mistake again. Now I am trying to fix the problems it caused.

[danieljones]

Every parent wants to socialise there kids, but it is insane how many people do not socialise there dogs at a young age

[shannajhullaby]

I'm a new sub. I like how it's not just a long advertisement for puppy pads and cages like other dog training videos.

[Mike-eqky]

Complete agree with NP, what I love is the actionable advice backed up by current research. Great job. Goot a 15 week female wer are socializing and trying to keep up with my 2yr old's socialization who is an intact male and naturally less confident. A couple week of puppy boot camp away from home and then bringing him everywhere - stores, parks, errands, etc - has really helped him improve his confidence and behavior.

[Angie_]

This was such an affirming video. Thanks! I had two little bull mastiff girlies. I took them to meet so many people in the 3 months I fostered them. I would let them meet new people occasionally when we were parked and encourage the people to reach their hand in the partly open window to pet them (these were people I knew already). I did this because I knew that they were going to grow up to be huge (the mom was 150lbs) and I didn't want contribute to the negative outcome of having two of those crazy berserk dogs that lunge and snap at strangers who walk by a vehicle. I wanted them to be friendly. We also used to go on walks to the playground that my nephews went to so they could meet more little kids. When kids would ask to pet them, I always said "thank you for asking, sure, if it's ok with your parent". I wanted to reinforce to the kids that getting permission is important. We also met with every dog (and dog owner) on our block, and tons of dog-friendly cats, too. Glad to know that getting them properly introduced to people and dogs is the right thing to do, and so important. Thanks for your vids!

[lovebirds]

Got our puppy at 9 weeks (from a lady who had no idea how to take care of a puppy + clearly wasn't socializing her--we're also pretty sure she came from a puppy mill), so started a little late, but so far I've been inviting as many people over as possible + taking her out to any store that allows dogs (minus the pet store). Home Depot has been great because there are tons of people and noises, and it's easy to get away if puppy gets too scared. So far she's really frightened by car engines and large dogs, so we've been working on that with our car + the neighbor's doberman. Very people friendly, not too fond of other dogs, but hopefully we can change that! The soonest puppy class doesn't start until the end of March (she'll be 13 weeks old), but better late than never. I have a few friends with dogs who I want to introduce her to, so she'll get some more doggy interaction that way. We also have 2 dogs at home, so she's been getting daily socialization and playtime with the youngest (who is 2 years old).

[elijahnaz]

All your videos are helpful and well made, (the best I've personally found on youtube for dog training/info, ) thanks for putting them out!!

[Natalieful]

My husband and I live in Dubai and are about to get our first puppy in 4 weeks. We have been watching your videos every night for the past week and they are so, so informative and helpful so thank you. Guidance from your channel is making us feel far more confident!

[eurwise]

Getting our puppy in 3 weeks and feel so much more prepared - you are the biz.... I love the mix of credible theory and practical advice, your graphics, approach - everything is spot on! Loving all the videos - I finally know how to properly use a kong toy! Keep up the great work!!

[EvelynDeCobain]

holy shit dudes, I just rescued some pitt mix puppies and one of them is so fearful and agressive! she simply doesn't know how to be with other dogs, and apparently she's 4 months old already so wish me luck! these tips are everything I needed right now thank you thank you thank you!

[Duddeldink]

I am considering getting a bullmastiff and I am just binge watching videos on puppy socialization. I find that Simpawtico and Zak George have the BEST videos on all things with dogs.
Simpawtico gives good detailed explanations and brings in the science, and Zak gives good videos where you can actually observe how it looks in real life.

I've had two dogs before, a westie and a border terrier, but I really need to beef up on my puppy training and socialization before I try my hands on a big dog.
So thank you for making these videos! ^_^