Health Aspects Of Early Socialization
 

In basic veterinary education, a key concept in preventing infectious disease is to isolate the healthy animal away from sick animals. However, few veterinary schools teach the value of socialization.  As a result, for decades veterinarians have been telling puppy owners to isolate their puppy from other dogs until their vaccinations are finished at 4 months of age.

This is now outdated advice because the lack of social skills is a major reason for behavior problems, and eventual surrender and euthanasia. The real risk of death from behavior surrender, is much greater than the risk of death due to infectious disease.

The current recommendation should be to give the puppy a series of vaccinations AND positive socialization experiences starting at 2 months of age, and continuing throughout life.

Veterinarians who look at the newest study data are realizing that healthy puppies meeting friendly healthy puppies and dogs is no health risk, and is in fact, one of the best investments in developing a canine companion that is friendly with both people and other dogs. Veterinary behaviorists now advise, "Vaccinate your puppies against behavior-related death by providing early, positive socialization parties or classes."

As a practicing veterinarian, my current recommendation for new puppy owners, is to try to have their puppy meet 20 new healthy, friendly puppies and dogs (all ages) before the puppy is 4 months old.  

My clinical impression is that dogs that are socialized develop a stronger immune system, and are less likely to succumb to infectious disease. Therefore, during puppy socialization, advise clients to avoid two classes of dogs; those who appear unhealthy, or those lacking in social skills. 

Dogs lacking in social skills appear fearful, aggressive, or over-exuberant. These dogs were not given the early canine to canine education they needed as puppies.  Either the puppy owner was ignorant of the importance of socialization, or too lazy to carry it out.

Veterinary teams need to be proactive in recommending and providing early, positive socialization. In the veterinary setting, puppies learn to enjoy coming in your door.