Socialization later in development

 Fear periods

Expect several fear periods through the first year, which typically last about a week.  Some dogs just seem off, but others may suddenly be more sensitive to novelty or scared of things that they were comfortable with previously. During these times, a dog can be more sensitive to uncomfortable or bad experiences. Take it easy during these weeks, avoid new and potentially scary situations until the period has lifted. Reschedule plans if needed.  

Growth spurts

Through adolescence, expect periods of rapid growth and development. You may notice awkward and uncoordinated movement followed by a growth spurt.  Their brain is developing quickly too, so an adolescent dog that seems to be stubborn or non-compliant may really not understand what you expect.

Adulthood and social maturity
Rapid growth will start to slow around 10 months. By 12 to 18 months, most dogs will start to settle and have more focus and impulse control.  Between 2 and 4 years, dogs will go through social maturity. During this time, they may be less inclined to engage in social interactions with unfamiliar dogs or people and can become more selective. Most dogs will continue to benefit from contact with familiar social partners, but they may have less interest or even display fearful or aggressive behavior toward unfamiliar dogs and sometimes people.  Their behavior will typically be stable when they finish social maturity. 

What to Do

• Once a dog is older than 4 months, take more care with exposure to new things that may be scary or overwhelming, go slow and allow them to observe and feel safe before considering approaching.

• Encourage calm approaches and greetings, they will take more time, but patience here will pay off as your dog settles in and jumping and mouthing are not cute.

• Give your dog a choice to interact or opt out, advocate for them if they do not want to engage, ask people to play hard to get and allow your dog to ask for attention.

• Be vigilant for fear periods and plan to have a quiet and calm week while they pass.  In many cases a physical growth spurt will follow a fear period.

• Be patient and take a few steps back and train through it when they forget their manners or things they have learned before.

• Expect your dog to continue to learn and grow throughout their life, this includes changes in social behavior, energy level, and interest in activities – older dogs often thrive with continued training in later life.

• More exposure is not always better - making a dog spend time in a situation they are uncomfortable may sensitize them, making them worse.  

• Giving strangers treats isn’t necessary to help your dog learn to like people – you can offer your dog treats for polite behavior and for coming to you when you need to call them away or redirect, if your dog likes people they will choose to interact and find the interaction reinforcing.  You should be the person they want to go home with!

• Quality matters more than quantity, negotiating new environments and social interactions bravely and politely is challenging work for a dog.

• A dog displaying fearful or aggressive behaviors is not trying to be stubborn or dominant, they are not coping well, stop and remove them from the situation.

• Dog parks and daycares are not good places to socialize a dog – these venues are best for well socialized dogs that already have solid social skills with a variety of dogs and people.