Simply being there and seeing other dogs and people is enough. Let the puppy get comfortable at his own pace and don't feel bad if he doesn't want to play with the others right away. Meeting the other puppies' owners is just as important, if not more so, as meeting the puppies themselves.
While dogs can and do experience social learning throughout their lifetimes, puppies are maximally primed for socialization between the ages of 3-14 weeks of age. This period is called the ''sensitive period for socialization”.
However, many experts agree that the best time to socialize a dog is before they reach six months old. This is because puppies are more open to new experiences and learning during this stage of their lives. After six months, dogs can still be socialized, but it may take more effort and patience on your part.
Teaching Alone Time
In the beginning, even one or two minutes might feel too long for your puppy, but over three or four days, you should be able to build up to fairly long periods.
The answer is you should not be leaving your 8-week-old puppy alone for an extended period. This is the part of their life where they have just been weaned and need regular feedings and potty breaks. It is recommended to wait at least until they are 3 months old before they are left alone.
From 8 to 12 weeks of age, your puppy is in the “I'm afraid of everything” stage. This period is characterized by rapid learning but also by fearfulness. Your puppy may appear terrified of things that she used to take in stride. This is a good time to avoid loud voices and traumatic events.
Socialising puppies before vaccinations
Puppies usually go to new homes at the minimum age of eight weeks old when they're not fully vaccinated, so can't get fully out and about just yet. Until your puppy is fully protected by vaccination: don't allow them to mix with dogs of unknown vaccination status.
Socialising Your Unvaccinated Puppy Outside
While your puppy still can be carried, take them out with you daily. This will help them to be exposed to the outside world of noise and seeing things. You can also take them out in a doggy buggy/pram.
Puppy Socialization Starts With the Breeder: 8-to-12 Weeks. Eight-to-ten weeks is the age at which most breeders send puppies to their new homes, and it is important to let buyers know that they need to continue with socialization when they get their new puppy home. The pups need to continue meeting new people.
11 to 12 Weeks is Fine for Some Breeds
A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic.
It's never too late to socialize an adult dog. If your woof lacks experience in the world, take them outside and get started today.
Establish a consistent routine and rules - reward good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Feed them the same puppy food as they had before and keep the same routine with small, regular meals. Continue puppy toilet training by rewarding them when they go outside.
There are some things we can do to help them settle and feel safe in those first few days. Keep in mind though, that it generally takes about three weeks for a dog or puppy to start to feel 'at home' and to show their true nature.
An 8-week old puppy should be eating 3-4 meals per day. The amount of food will vary depending on the size and breed of your puppy.
The instant you feel your puppy's teeth touch you, give a high-pitched yelp. Then immediately walk away from him. Ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If your puppy follows you or continues to bite and nip at you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds.
Separation anxiety is a serious condition that creates high levels of stress for your puppy and often results in abnormal behaviour when left alone. Puppies may cry a little when you leave the house, but separation anxiety is usually explained by more extreme behaviours, such as: Destructive or disruptive behaviour.
Offer Treats from the Stranger/New Person
To make clear what behavior you're after from your dog, only reward them as they take the treats and slowly move closer to the new person. When your dog can come close to the stranger with positive responses, have the stranger pat your dog carefully. Be patient with your dog.
Invite a friend to bring her gentle, easygoing dog on a walk with you and your dog. Allow a polite distance between dogs while they get accustomed to each other. If both dogs appear relaxed throughout the walk, allow them to sniff each other briefly. Keep leashes loose and each interaction short.
Starting at 5 weeks of age, more people should be interacting with your puppies. Behaviorists recommend they meet at least 100 people during the primary socialization period.