--- title: "Why Socializing Your New Puppy Is Important" id: "202788" type: "post" slug: "why-socializing-your-new-puppy-is-important" published_at: "2020-05-25T17:28:03+00:00" modified_at: "2020-05-25T17:28:03+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2020/05/25/why-socializing-your-new-puppy-is-important/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2020/05/25/why-socializing-your-new-puppy-is-important.md" excerpt: "Man’s Best Friend: Why Socializing Your New Puppy is So Important, and When and How to Get Started From the first moment that man and dog befriended one another until today, that relationship has long moved beyond that of man..." taxonomy_category: - "Community" --- [Home](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/blog/) / [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) / **Why Socializing Your New Puppy Is Important** [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) # Why Socializing Your New Puppy Is Important May 25, 2020 · 5 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandsanantonio.com) ## Man’s Best Friend: Why Socializing Your New Puppy is So Important, and When and How to Get Started From the first moment that man and dog befriended one another until today, that relationship has long moved beyond that of man and pet—our dogs are now undeniably beloved members of the family. Worldwide there are at least 900 million *canis lupis familiaris* (dogs) and at least 80 million of them live in America alone. Approximately 48% of all American families include at least one canine member today. ## Socialization of Your Puppy Behavioral issues such as fear, avoidance, and even aggression are issues that can be easily avoided through a process called “puppy socialization”. Not only is socialization one of the most important things that a human will do for his furry friend, but it can also easily be one of the most enjoyable, rewarding things as well, frequently with the added benefit of strengthening the bond between a human and the newest member of the family! One of the most critical steps in any puppy’s development, socialization is key to ensuring that your new best friend will not only be happy, but friendly, confident, and well-adjusted throughout their lifetimes by introducing them to life in a human’s world. Proper socialization means introducing the puppy to different types of people, environments, scents, sights, smells, sounds, other animals, and even other dogs! This kind of socialization will ensure a happy, well-adjusted companion that acclimates quickly and easily to new situations. At its most basic, socialization simply means that you are introducing your new best friend in a positive, safe way to all of the sights and sounds that are likely to be a part of their world. ## When To Start Socializing Your Puppy Between around three and twelve weeks of age, puppies are more curious and accepting of new things, and should not yet show signs of aggression or fear. Before twelve weeks, puppies are still at an impressionable stage and are more likely to absorb their new experiences instead of hiding from them or reacting aggressively. By eight weeks, it is important to introduce as many people as possible in order to prevent fear or shyness later in life. Puppies do not begin to become wary and cautious of who and what is in their world until around twelve to eighteen weeks, at which time they may begin to show signs of aggression. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/) While timing is an important factor in the socialization process, it is also to remember some other key factors. Patience is a very important part of the process, and it is always the dog who will set the pace. Socialization is a process, and it will take time, patience, and repetition. Exposure to something new is not the same thing as socialization to something new, and mistaking the two will lead to a poorly socialized dog who is likely to develop behavioral issues later in life. ## Notice Your Puppy’s Body Language Your dog should walk away from any new experience feeling positive about it, and wanting to do it again. It’s also important to remember that it is only your dog who can make the determination if an experience is positive or not, and a great indicator of this is to keep an eye on their body language. Loose, wiggly body language is a good indicator that your puppy is having a positive experience. If you do not see body language that indicates that your dog is having a positive experience, now is the time to move on until another day or time. Make sure that you continue to work on positive reinforcement, even when you have to move away from a particular experience. This will ensure that your puppy continues to trust you as you go through the socialization process. Finally, remember never to force an interaction. Again, body language is key. If your dog does not want to experience or interact with something at a given moment, that’s okay. Move on and try again another time. Forcing interactions will only cause fear and anxiety in whatever you are attempting to socialize your dog to at the moment. Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/) ## Continue To Keep It Fun Socialization can look and seem like an overwhelming, daunting process, but it shouldn’t be, for you or your puppy. It should be an easy, fun process that allows the two of you time to bond just as much as it allows your puppy to get to know the world around him! If you have never socialized a puppy before, there are numerous checklists online that break the process down into small, simple steps in order to help cut down on the anxiety for both of you. - [Rover.com](http://rover.com/blog/how-to-socialize-dog/) - [AKC](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-socialization/) - [Pets at WebMD](https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/socializing-new-puppy) - [Hills Pet](https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/new-pet-parent/puppy-socialization-tips) If you’re feeling anxious about socializing your puppy, you can always seek out a professional trainer at your local pet store or even your local doggy daycare. They can help both you and your puppy traverse those obstacles so you both are feeling comfortable. Make it a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you, and at the end of the process you’ll not only have a well adjusted and happy pet, but you will also have established a strong bond between the two of you! Good luck and have fun! [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandsanantonio.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/) - Petland Leon Valley ## [Female #8211](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-8211/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 688-7387](tel:(210)%20688-7387) - Petland Leon Valley ## [Male #8210](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-8210/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 688-7387](tel:(210)%20688-7387) - Petland Leon Valley ## [Male #8207](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/min-schnauzer/min-schnauzer-8207/) ### [Min Schnauzer](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/min-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 688-7387](tel:(210)%20688-7387) - Petland Leon Valley ## [Male #8205](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/beagle/beagle-8205/) ### [Beagle](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/beagle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 688-7387](tel:(210)%20688-7387) - Petland Leon Valley ## [Male #8213](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/chihuahua-8213/) ### [Chihuahua](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 688-7387](tel:(210)%20688-7387) - Petland Leon Valley ## [Male #8208](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-8208/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 688-7387](tel:(210)%20688-7387) - Petland Leon Valley ## [Male #8197](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/cocker-spaniel-8197/) ### [Cocker Spaniel](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 688-7387](tel:(210)%20688-7387) - Petland Shavano Park ## [Female #11164](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/teddy-bear-11164/) ### [Teddy Bear](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 592-1234](tel:(210)%20592-1234) - Petland Shavano Park ## [Male #11163](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/shetland-sheepdog-11163/) ### [Shetland Sheepdog](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 592-1234](tel:(210)%20592-1234) - Petland Shavano Park ## [Female #11162](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/cocker-spaniel-11162/) ### [Cocker Spaniel](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 592-1234](tel:(210)%20592-1234) - Petland Shavano Park ## [Female #11161](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-11161/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 592-1234](tel:(210)%20592-1234) - Petland Shavano Park ## [Female #11160](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-11160/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(210) 592-1234](tel:(210)%20592-1234) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/blog/) - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/02/01/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/02/01/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/02/01/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it's a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) Fact: your dog is absolutely saying "I love you"… just not with words If you've ever fallen down a relationship rabbit hole,… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/01/07/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/01/07/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2026/01/07/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/30/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/30/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/30/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there's a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/30/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/30/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [Why Are Petland Puppies So Expensive?](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/30/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) In this articleHealth Comes First: Vet-Checked and OFA CertifiedPremium Nutrition and Enriched EnvironmentsResponsible Breeding and VettingOngoing Support and AftercarePeace of Mind for… November 30, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/01/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/01/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [Puppy Gratitude: 10 Little Things Our Dogs Do That Deserve a Big Thank You](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/01/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/) How to say "thank you": A longer walk. A belly rub. A new squeaky toy that mysteriously disappears in a day. Or… November 1, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/01/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/01/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [From ‘Just Looking’ to My Perfect Puppy, All Thanks to Petland](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/11/01/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/) Confession: I didn't plan to fall in love that day.I told myself I was just browsing. Like someone who walks into a… November 1, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/10/29/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/10/29/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [15 Howl-Worth Pup Costumes For A Paws-itively Spooky Halloween](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/10/29/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/) October isn't just for pumpkins and trick-or-treaters. It's also for the pups who steal the show before anyone's even rung the doorbell!… October 29, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/10/22/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/10/22/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [Where Is the Most Trusted Place to Buy a Puppy:Inside the Standards That Set Petland Apart](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/10/22/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/) Bringing home a puppy isn't just about finding a pet. It's about beginning a lifelong bond. Every wag, every paw print, every… October 22, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/09/29/sniff-crunch-zoom-the-best-fall-activities-for-your-pup/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/09/29/sniff-crunch-zoom-the-best-fall-activities-for-your-pup/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [Sniff, Crunch, Zoom: The Best Fall Activities For Your Pup](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/09/29/sniff-crunch-zoom-the-best-fall-activities-for-your-pup/) Summer may have had its beaches and barbecues, but when the season changes, autumn? Autumn is pure magic. The air is cooler,… September 29, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/08/08/national-spoil-your-dog-day-yes-they-deserve-it-every-single-day/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/08/08/national-spoil-your-dog-day-yes-they-deserve-it-every-single-day/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [National Spoil Your Dog Day: Yes, They Deserve It (Every. Single. Day.)](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/08/08/national-spoil-your-dog-day-yes-they-deserve-it-every-single-day/) August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day (not that we needed an excuse!). But honestly, it's the perfect moment to pause,… August 8, 2025 - [https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/07/22/canine-care-certified-choosing-responsible-dog-breeders/](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/07/22/canine-care-certified-choosing-responsible-dog-breeders/) [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) ## [Canine Care Certified: Choosing Responsible Dog Breeders](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2025/07/22/canine-care-certified-choosing-responsible-dog-breeders/) Planning on welcoming a new puppy into your home? Before picking out the perfect name or purchasing the perfect first squeaky toy,… July 22, 2025 ``` Petland Leon Valley 758 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Karina R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad got my Malti-poo from this store 6yrs ago when I was a teen. We bought him at 3mo old! He was a happy puppy. My family requested to play with him in the little cubicles and we were delighted. He was a little pricey, but he had his papers, proper shots/vaccines, and had an underbite that made him adorable. He’s doing well even today! Never gotten injured or sick. He’s expected to live the normal expectancy of a malti-poo. I don’t remember much about the store or any changes since then, but I remember that the lady helping us was nice! Here is Marshmallow! Posted on Google Charles B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lots of dogs for adoption, well taken care of. Also have some birds, rabbits and a few sleepy ferrits. I stopped in for some feeder fish. Very nice staff. Posted on Google Joshua B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the exotic birds Posted on Google Melinda R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my 2nd time back. My daughter has been wanting another set of guinea pigs. I saw the most beautiful lionhead rabbit 🐇 about 7 weeks. LORENZO educated me on their demeanor, foods etc... I was there a good while, he showed no signs of rushing me, or pushing a sale. Answered all my questions and even educated me on ferrets as i asked lol he loves his job & wish all associates were like this everywhere! I was very pleased 😀 didn't grab the rabbit as my daughter took forever to answer me, but we're leaving for vacation and would not be cool to leave him alone . We will be back! And I will only ask for him! Thank you for the great customer service! ```