At Smeraglia, we are dedicated to nurturing well-adjusted, confident, and loving companions through intentional and early socialization of our Teddy Bear Goldendoodles, Schnoodles, and Twoodles. Our comprehensive approach ensures that each puppy receives the necessary experiences to thrive in their future homes.

Early Socialization at Smeraglia

From birth, our puppies are immersed in a structured socialization program:
•   Birth to 3 Days: We begin with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to promote neurological development and stress tolerance. We handle them daily, weigh them several times a day, and check their tags.
•   3 Days to 3 Weeks: Gentle handling and exposure to various textures and mild stimuli help build confidence and adaptability.
•   3 to 8 Weeks: Puppies experience diverse environments, sounds, and human interactions daily, fostering resilience and sociability.

During their time in our nursery, our youngest puppies receive limited social exposure due to their age and the necessity to protect them from potential health risks. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases before their vaccination series is complete, which typically occurs around 16 weeks of age.

While early socialization is crucial for developing well-adjusted adult dogs, it’s essential to approach this period with caution. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior emphasizes that the primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. However, during this time, puppies are not yet fully vaccinated, which presents a challenge in balancing socialization with health safety.

Your Role in Continuing Socialization

Once your puppy transitions to your home, your active participation in their continued socialization is vital:
1.    Begin Immediately: The critical socialization period for puppies is up to 16 weeks of age. Early and consistent exposure to various stimuli is crucial.
2.    Introduce New Experiences: Expose your puppy to different environments, sounds, and situations. This includes various floor surfaces, household noises, and outdoor settings.
3.    Meet Different People: Allow your puppy to interact with people of all ages, sizes, and appearances to build comfort and reduce fearfulness.
4.    Encourage Positive Interactions with Other Animals: Arrange safe playdates with vaccinated, friendly dogs and supervised introductions to other pets.
5.    Handle Regularly: Gently handle your puppy’s paws, ears, mouth, and tail to prepare them for grooming and veterinary visits.
6.    Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats and praise during new experiences to create positive associations.

Safety Considerations

While socialization is vital, protecting your puppy’s health is equally important:
•   Vaccination Awareness: Until your puppy has completed their vaccination series (typically by 16 weeks), avoid areas with high dog traffic, such as dog parks, to minimize exposure to diseases.
•   Controlled Environments: Opt for safe settings like your home, friends’ homes with healthy pets, or puppy classes that require vaccinations.

Utilize Available Resources

To assist you in this process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Puppy Socialization Checklist that outlines various experiences and exposures beneficial for your puppy’s development. This checklist serves as a guide to ensure you’re covering essential aspects of socialization.

Commitment to Your Puppy’s Development

Remember, the effort you invest in your puppy’s socialization during these formative weeks will significantly influence their behavior and temperament for life. By proactively introducing them to diverse experiences in a safe and positive manner, you’re setting the stage for a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with your new companion.

Doodle Prep School: Your Partner in Socialization

We understand that not every family has the time or resources to dedicate to this critical phase. That’s why we offer our Doodle Prep School, an all-inclusive training and socialization program designed to provide your puppy with essential experiences in a controlled and safe environment. Our program ensures that puppies receive up-to-date vaccinations and are exposed to various stimuli, people, and other animals under the supervision of our experienced trainers.

By enrolling your puppy in Doodle Prep School, you can rest assured that they are receiving the necessary socialization to develop into confident and well-behaved companions, all while maintaining their health and safety during this critical developmental period.

For more information about our Doodle Prep School and how it can benefit your puppy, please visit our Prep School page.

If you have any questions or need further guidance on socializing your puppy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Smeraglia. Feel free to contact us via email, text, or give us a call.

Paws and cuddles,

Sherri Smeraglia