Your puppy is going to one day be a service dog! At 18 months, your puppy will begin advanced training, which will take approximately 6 months to complete. Around their 2nd birthday, they will be teamed up with their disabled partner. You have the most important part of this process: socialization.

What is socialization and why is it so important for prospective service dogs?
Socialization is the process of exposing your pup to a variety of people, animals, environments, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner. The goal is to help the pup develop confidence and reduce fear in new situations. For a potential service dog, proper early socialization is crucial to their success and development. It helps them become well-adjusted, adaptable, and confident adult dogs capable of handling various environments and situations they will encounter as service dogs. If a puppy isn’t well socialized by the time they are 6 months old, they are likely to be fearful, anxious, and unable to tolerate new environments.

Socialization at 8 to 11 weeks 
This is a very vulnerable time for your pup in training. At 8 weeks old, your pup will leave their mom and siblings to join your household. During this period, the pup will be adjusting to human family life and experiencing many changes, which can take up to two weeks. Most puppies at this age are adaptable and do very well, but they will experience some distress from leaving their dog family. The first three weeks at home are critical to their success, so it’s important to keep their experiences positive. Traumatic experiences during this time can have a lasting impact.

While keeping things positive, this is the perfect time to introduce your pup to family members, other pets, children, household noises, smells, your backyard, routines, guests, different surfaces, short car rides, and more. Try to create positive associations.

As their leader and new family, your reactions will significantly impact how they feel about new experiences. When they appear nervous or uncertain, try to “jolly” them up by acting happy and excited to counter their fear.

You want to make sure that every socialization experience is positive. It is important to remember that puppies are babies and get tired easily. Ensure that you are not allowing any overhandling or excessive socialization to the point where your pup is not enjoying it. At this age, keep interactions short, sweet, enjoyable, and fun. Only expose the pup to new experiences when they are well-rested and better able to happily cope. Puppies are growing and need plenty of naps and rest.

Socialization at 11 to 16 weeks 
If you receive your puppy at 8 weeks, your puppy will be acclimated to your family and household by 11 weeks. Now is the time to start exposing them to other environments.

Your pup will not be fully vaccinated until they are 16 weeks, so be cautious about the places you take them. Dog parks are off-limits for all CST dogs. At this age, avoid places where other dogs go. You can carry them into shopping centers or malls or use a wagon or a stroller designed for dogs. Keep your outings short the first few times.

There will be many sights, sounds, and smells they have not been exposed to. Pups are very adaptable at this age; the more they experience, the more accepting they will be in new environments when they are older. This would be a great time to take them to Starbucks and have them watch all the people coming and going. Watch your pup’s reactions. Do they seem curious and happy? Do they look fearful? Do they look tired?

Take them with you on short outings but be mindful that the pup does not get too overwhelmed. We want to increase their tolerance to all the sights and sounds in public, but too much too fast can set your pup back.

Socialization at 16 weeks and beyond
At 16 weeks, your pup will be fully vaccinated and have more energy, allowing them to tolerate 1-2 hours out in public. Once your pup can walk on a leash, you can walk them around stores. A lap or two around a grocery store, Costco, a ride in an elevator, or a visit to Starbucks are great ways to increase your pup’s exposure to various environments.

It’s okay to let a few friendly people greet your pup and give them a treat during outings. However, don’t let too many people pet your pup, as it could cause them to dislike people approaching. Ensure the dogs they meet are social and friendly with other dogs.

During outings, focus on letting the pup experience and explore. Try to get your pup out at least three times a week. By the time they are 4 months old, they will have the ability to focus more in public spaces. They will be fully vaccinated, and you can start puppy classes. Our puppy raiser manager will be able to guide you in training and provide great socialization experiences!

Introducing your dog to their vest 
Your pup will likely be playful and may try to bite at the vest when it is first introduced. When they are puppies, it’s best to put the vest on them as if it’s no big deal. As soon as your dog is comfortable in their new home, put their vest on and distract them with a toy to prevent them from biting or pulling at the vest.

To create a positive association with the vest, try putting it on right before a meal. The meal will distract them from messing with the vest, and the vest will soon signal to the pup that something good is about to happen.

Introducing your dog to their collar
Introducing a collar is usually straightforward. Put it on your pup as if it’s no big deal. While the pup may try to bite at it, a properly fitted collar (with enough space for two fingers to slip between the collar and neck) will minimize this behavior.

Never leave the collar on your pup while they are in a crate or pen, as it can easily get caught and pose a strangulation hazard. Since puppies grow quickly, it is important to check the collar’s fit daily and adjust it as needed. Collars are provided to you, so be sure to let the puppy raiser manager know if a larger size is needed. Regularly checking and adjusting the collar ensures your puppy’s safety and comfort.