Critical Learning Period for Dogs

The Socialization Period

During specific developmental stages in puppies, the central nervous system has great flexibility and may be easily influenced by the environment around it.  The experiences of the puppy, during such critical periods can impact its behavior for a lifetime.

For example, from four to 12 weeks of age, puppies learn how to determine the physical and  sensory features of their social partners. This imprinting is like creating a pattern that will include virtually any species that it is exposed to during this time. Later on, this imprinting pattern acts to activate the brain for “acceptance” whenever the puppy sees a social partner previously imprinted during those four to twelve weeks.  Once a puppy reaches 12 weeks, this imprinting system begins to close and further modification becomes much more difficult.

When a puppy fails to imprint during this period, he will most likely show fear of other dogs as well as humans. Therefore, during this socialization period, puppies should be exposed to as many everyday expected situations as one’s schedule will allow.  These circumstances, learned before they actually occur, will be replicated as real life situations during the dog’s lifetime.  It is imperative for the puppy to learn as many responses as possible to specific environmental circumstances before they occur.

If done systematically, with nurture, these exposures (loud children, men in hats, bicycles etc.) which may appear negative in nature on the surface, can easily be turned into positive experiences for your dog.  Your puppy’s long term happiness and successful adaptability to his relationship with you is directly related to when your puppy begins the learning process: the earlier, the better.

Coming next month:  The Fear Period

Written by Doris Whitworth, M.Ed, LPC - Dog Training Consultant - 404-352-0422.

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