🔄Last Updated: 12 April 2026
What is Socialisation?
The critical socialisation window closes around 14-16 weeks of age. This is the time when your puppy learns what is safe and what is scary in the world. Positive exposure prevents future fear and aggression.
Table of Contents
The Essential Checklist
- People: Tall people, people with beards, people wearing hats, children (supervised), people using wheelchairs or walking sticks.
- Sounds: Traffic, vacuum cleaners, fireworks (played quietly on YouTube), washing machines.
- Surfaces: Grass, gravel, laminate, wet pavements, metal grates.
- Handling: Touching paws, checking ears, opening mouth, mock vet exams.
The Rule of 7
Aim to have your puppy experience 7 different surfaces, play with 7 different types of safe objects, meet 7 new types of people, and eat in 7 different locations before they are 16 weeks old.
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