Socialization is a crucial step in every puppy and kitten’s life that shapes the kind of pet they will become. It is therefore essential that pet parents are aware of and understand the environmental factors their pet will encounter. Ideally, puppies and kittens should not be separated from their mother until eight weeks of age. The most opportune time in a pet’s life for socialization is between 4 and 16 weeks of age. Therefore, when a puppy or kitten finds their forever home they have, at best, 8 weeks to undergo socialization. That is not to say that socialization is impossible after this time but it does become more challenging.

Vaccine Schedule

This time in a puppy or kitten’s life also overlaps with their first round of vaccinations. The following is your typical schedule for puppy and kitten veterinary visits:

	6-8 wks	10-12 wks	14-16 wks	18-20 wks	~24 wks
Puppy	Bord, DAPP	DAPP, Lepto	DAPP, Lepto, Rabies	DAPP	Spay/Neuter
Kitten	FVRCP	FVRCP, FELV	FVRCP, FELV, Rabies		Spay/Neuter

*Bord (Bordetella), DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus or Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenze), FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

*Bord (Bordetella) and Lepto (Leptospirosis), while not technically considered “core” vaccines, are treated as such by many veterinary hospitals due to prevalence. FELV (Feline Leukemia) is often recommended for a cat’s first year of life. Then, if the cat goes outdoors or has contact with a cat who does, your veterinarian will likely recommend continued boosters after one year.

*Optional Lyme and Canine Influenze vaccines both share a schedule with Lepto. Lyme protects against the tick-borne disease of the same name. Canine Influenza is required by some grooming, boarding, and daycare facilities.

Training Checklist and Schedule

As you can see, the first six months of a pet’s life is quite busy. What’s more is that veterinary professionals will likely caution against exposure risks until after at least the third round of vaccines. How then do you balance socialization while also avoiding exposure risk? With thoughtful planning, scheduling, and following a checklist of things to avoid and desired exposures. You can make your own or use this one I’ve put together.

Socialization goes well beyond introducing your pet to other people and pets but also to social settings. You should consider any interaction or situation your pet might encounter throughout their life and incorporate it into their training.

The checklist is a guide, intended to be adapted to your pet and its individual lifestyle. Will you live in the city, suburbs, or country? Will your pet stay at home, board, or go to daycare while you’re away? Do you plan on having a dog sitter come to your home or will your pet stay with them? Are there other animals on the property that your pet will need to get used to? Loud noises, such as gunfire, fireworks, motorcycles, and trucks can cause significant anxiety reactions if desensitization is not accomplished early. Consider all regular exposures and add it to your pet’s checklist.

You should have a schedule laid out for play dates, exposures, vaccination appointments, and training classes. This will help keep your pet’s socialization on track and you to manage your schedule.

People in Public vs. People in the Home

You should introduce your pet to people in public differently than with people in, or visiting, your home. When your pet meets someone while out for a walk or at the dog park, it will most often be in passing. Have your pet walk, stand, and sit near people encountered out in public. Have some of their favorite treats on hand and ask the person to offer one, giving a brief pet or scratch. Praise your pet for positive outcomes.

Visitors, a significant other, family, and roommates will be on repeating occasions and for longer periods of time. Having your pet sit or lay near visitors, offering treats, and playing with them with favorite toys will teach them that these people are part of the family. Your pet will reach a point where they recognize these individuals and greet them as such. You can also teach your pet to alert you, or not react at all, when someone knocks at the door or rings a doorbell. Have friends call or text, or come to a different door, if possible, when arriving. This will differentiate between regular visitors and strangers appearing at the door.

Other Pets

Play dates with other dogs, and even with cats, is a great way to prevent future pet aggressive behaviors. Monitoring them during play and correcting/redirecting, when necessary, will raise them to interact appropriately. This will also prove favorable if you ever decide to get your fur baby a brother or sister.

Doggy daycare, boarding, and training classes are another great way to socialize your pet. Your pet will be around other people and other pets. They get proper training at the same time. Most pet stores either offer training classes or can recommend a reputable trainer. Unfortunately, there are also some individuals who offer training classes that can be less reputable. Always read the fine print when enrolling your pet in a training course. You should avoid any trainer that is uninsured. They will likely state that you are liable for any property damage or injuries your pet causes while in their care. This should especially be the case if your pet displays any biting behaviors or is still learning proper toileting habits. A reputable trainer knows that getting bit or sustaining damage to property is a risk of the job.

Recognizing Your Pet’s Limits

When introducing your pet to new places and things it is important that you allow them to go at their own pace. Let them approach and sniff new exposures. If introducing to people and animals, always ask if it’s okay. Bring some of your pet’s favorite treats in case someone wants to reward them. You should monitor your pet’s body language for signs of stress, exposure overload, fear, or defensiveness.

• Tail tucked between legs
• Back arched
• Ears folding back
• Head lowered
• Eyes downcast or watching you fearfully
• Shaking or trembling
• Hackles raised
• Whimpering, growling, or hissing
• Lip twitching or curling
• Bared teeth

If you notice any of these signs, remove your pet from the situation immediately, comfort them, and offer a treat. Give them a break and do something they enjoy to take their mind off the stressor.

Rewards and Praise

When using treats or words of praise to reward your pet, timing and consistency are essential. Just as in potty training, a reward and praise needs to be given at the moment of the act deserving of the reward. Furthermore, rewards and praise need to be consistently given every time during training. You can ween rewards over time.