Putting the Social in Socialization
By Anna Bradley
The goal of puppy socialization is to “convince the amygdala, that part of the puppy’s brain that reacts emotionally to his world that, in general, the best/most appropriate emotional responses are calm, relaxed and happy.” (Miller, 2014). Scott and Fuller (1965, cited by Overall (2013)) identified four main stages in a puppy’s development:
• Neonatal
• Transitional
• Socialization
• Juvenile
Of most significance in terms of behavioral development is this socialization period. Read article