Socialising your new puppy is one of the most important stages of their lives. However this is where vets and dog trainers often disagree! Your vet is likely to advise you to keep
your pup isolated until they are fully vaccinated, however this is the exact opposite of what socialization requires. By the age a pup is “fully vaccinated”, the “critical socialization period” is likely to have been missed, and your pup’s future mental adjustment may have been impa ired.
If your pup is inherently well-balanced, not naturally timid or aggressive, but calm, placid and unafraid, then you might get away with limited socialization. However, if your pup has inherited a less than perfect temperament (which is why it is vital to choose a pup from good-natured parents), then missing this socialization period can cause various problems down the track.
What problems are likely to emerge from insufficient socialization?
This depends largely on the pup in question. As mentioned before, some pups will do okay. However, others may manifest this lack of socialization in various ways depending on their inherited makeup. Some may become excessively fearful and timid of various situations, while others may become overly aggressive, and to varying degrees from mild to severe.
In the end, the decision is yours. You either take a risk on the disease front, or a risk on ending up with various problems later on.
If you’d like to know more, our “New Puppy Consult” is designed to get you started off on the right foot to prevent problems from getting started.
