Socializing puppy before 16 weeks

[Beth & Cheddar]

Our puppy is 12 weeks old and has had play dates with his brother, but no other dog contact besides that. We have friends with a few puppy friendly dogs. As long as they are healthy and up to date on shots is it ok to have them over to play with Cheddar?

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

In my opinion socialization is extremely important. Therefore I I'm introducing puppies to safe dogs right away.

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Yes yes yes!!!!! I didn't socialize yeti very well and he is basically afraid of anything with 4 legs! If you know they are healthy and up to date on shots I say go for it! Also socialization doesn't always come from puppy play dates. It's getting him used to sounds and his basic surroundings. Our trainers told us to do things like take him in the car if he doesn't get car sick. Take him basically any place that allows dogs as long as you don't let him walk on floors where sick dogs could have been. This would have worked for us because Yeti stayed pretty tiny when he was finally fully vaccinated, however this probably wouldn't work with a larger puppy. Yeti's trainers encouraged us to familiarize him with kids adults wheel chairs elderly babies ect.

[Rosie's Family]

Rosie is 14 weeks. We take her to puppy training where she sees dogs her age. A local company also has puppy socialization where they ensure all the puppies are vaccinated and there is a trainer in the room to help if there is any issues.