Dogs are social beings by nature, and their physiological health plays an important role in shaping their behavior. By understanding the social and emotional development of dogs, we can set appropriate training goals and give dogs a holistic training experience. The ultimate goal is to have a well-adjusted, confident dog that can be with you in any situation.
There are four developmental periods to consider when training dogs. For each developmental period, you’ll learn about what to expect, the training focus, and recommendations.
Socialization Period: 8 to 12 weeks
During the socialization period, your dog’s experiences (or lack of) have a significant impact on your dog’s future behavior. This period is sometimes referred to as the “fear impact period” because many of your dog’s associations are formed and solidified during this time frame.
Training at this young age should focus on socialization, exposure, setting boundaries and play.
To get started, let your puppy explore their world and follow the Four S’s of socialization: site, sounds, smells and surfaces. The more your puppy is exposed to, the less fear-based reactivity your dog will have as an adult.
Puppies can also safely be socialized in puppy groups or at trainer-led puppy socialization and training programs.
Establishing Hierarchy: 4-6 months
Your dog is testing their dominance, learning status and undergoing changes in social preferences and habits.
Training is focused on the introduction of obedience and leash walking and learning manners (how to behave in the human world) plus continued socialization.
Daycare and dog parks are not recommended for this age group. Puppies are immediately put at a disadvantage in larger groups because they don’t have a strong understanding of social cues. In addition, puppies can learn inappropriate behaviors and create bad associations from adult dogs.
Instead, look for puppy play groups and age-appropriate training programs, and continue to use the four S’s of socialization at home.
Adolescence: 6-12 months
Your dog has entered adolescence and is rambunctious and testing boundaries. Your dog will also have grown into their adult personality.
Training should focus on reinforcing boundaries, providing opportunities for higher intensity exercise and obedience training.
This is the time to get started with an obedience program which will help reinforce good behavior. At home, maintain boundaries and be consistent. Focus on reinforcing good behavior and ignoring bad behavior.
In addition, dogs at this age have more energy and need higher intensity exercise than they did previously. Since most dogs’ growth plates are fully formed by six months of age, it’s safe to get your dog started in outdoor activities (like hiking or running) and dog sports (like scent works). This will keep them mentally engaged as well. Remember, that bored dogs are destructive dogs.
Social Maturity: 1-2 years
Your dog has reached adulthood. During this time, your dog may re-test their status within the social hierarchy.
Ongoing training and enrichment will ensure continue success. Adult dogs benefit from weekly activities such as daycare, group hikes, and dog sports (like agility).
If you are having to unwind bad behavior at this age, find a behavioral trainer to work with you. Board-and-train programs are the most effective in addressing behavioral concerns.
By focusing on your dog’s social and emotional development, you’ll achieve the best training results and have a happier dog and a better life with your dog.
Andrea Servadio was the co-founder, Fitdog Sports Club LLC
