Puppy Socialization Checklist

The socialization window closes between 12-16 weeks of age — after that, novelty exposure creates suspicion instead of confidence. A puppy who meets 100 friendly people, calmly experiences 50 environments, and hears 30 unusual sounds before 16 weeks grows into a stable adult dog. A puppy that only meets family and other dogs grows into a reactive, fearful adult that costs thousands in behavior consultants. This checklist covers the five categories AVSAB recommends: people, animals, environments, surfaces & sounds, and handling.