Puppy Essentials + Socialization
window for socializing puppies 8-16 weeks
Socialization:
It's important to NOT miss this period! The critical window for socializing puppies is 8-16 weeks. Your puppy doesn’t have all its shots. A few places such as Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, etc. Once your puppy has received it's 2nd set of shots you can take him/her to restaurants with dog friendly patio. A neighborhood park where children are playing and other dog friendly places. During this period your puppy should meet children, other puppies, and people. Stay away from dog parks!
34 Stores That Don’t Ask You To Leave Your Dog Outside While You Shop
It's important to NOT miss this period! The critical window for socializing puppies is 8-16 weeks. Your puppy doesn’t have all its shots. A few places such as Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, etc. Once your puppy has received it's 2nd set of shots you can take him/her to restaurants with dog friendly patio. A neighborhood park where children are playing and other dog friendly places. During this period your puppy should meet children, other puppies, and people. Stay away from dog parks!
34 Stores That Don’t Ask You To Leave Your Dog Outside While You Shop

"I'm so impressed with the emphasis Wunderhaus puts on early socialization. At my training center,
What A Great Dog!, we see nearly 1,000 new pups every year. I love the GSD breed, especially the well bred ones (like those from Wunderhaus). But, I have to admit that German Shepherds are the number one breed that gets brought in at 7 - 9 months with major fear related behaviors (like being dog/people reactive or aggressive). This breed is incredibly smart and eager to please. But in my experience, lack of early socialization is no less than crippling.
Kudos to Wunderhaus for starting your pups off right and steering your pup owners in the right direction. I'm excited for more of your awesome pups to become regulars at WAGD!!"
Maureen Patin
Owner / Head Trainer
What a Great Dog! Training Center
Rabies vaccination: IMPORTANT! Your puppy's rabies vaccine is due at 16 weeks. Do NOT let your vet give the rabies at the same time as the final puppy shot. We recommend you wait 2 weeks after the final puppy shot (3rd set) to give the rabies. This also applies to the 1 year booster. Your puppy will get the rabies vaccine every 3 years after the 1 year booster.
Visit Dr. Jean Dodd's Vaccination Protocol for more information on rabies and other vaccines.
Visit Dr. Jean Dodd's Vaccination Protocol for more information on rabies and other vaccines.
Great Articles:
When Can I Take My Puppy Out?
Socializing Your Puppy : Why 'Later Is Too Late"
Analyzing Dog Behavior and Puppy Behavior
Cheerful Interrupter or Engagement?
Dealing with Dog-Dog Aggression In and Out of Class
Jill Kessler Miller's "I Am Not A Dog Park Advocate"
When Can I Take My Puppy Out?
Socializing Your Puppy : Why 'Later Is Too Late"
Analyzing Dog Behavior and Puppy Behavior
Cheerful Interrupter or Engagement?
Dealing with Dog-Dog Aggression In and Out of Class
Jill Kessler Miller's "I Am Not A Dog Park Advocate"
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