The weeks before about 16 weeks old shape how confident your dog becomes. Aim for gentle, positive exposure to lots of sights, sounds, surfaces and people — quality over quantity, never forcing. A well-socialised puppy is the single best predictor of an easy adult dog.
The socialisation window: what to do before 16 weeks
- Trainer-reviewed by Marcus Bell, CPDT-KA
- Last updated June 2, 2026
