The Definitive Position on Early Puppy Socialization vs. Health Risks.

We LOVE this position statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (paraphrased): "During the first 3 months of life, puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, we believe that it should be the standard of care for 8-12 week old puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. Incomplete or improper socialization during this time can increase the risk of fearful, avoidance, and/or aggressive behaviors later. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age. The combination of maternal immunity, puppy's first vaccination, and safe places to socialize makes the risk of infection relatively small compared to the chance of death from a behavior problem."