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The AVMA says the best time to start socializing a puppy is between what ages?

3 and 14 weeks.

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  1. 3 and 14 weeks ✔
  2. 6 and 12 months
  3. 16 and 30 weeks

Why: Puppies are most open to new people, places and sounds when they are very young. Good early experiences help them grow into relaxed adult dogs.

Huh, didn't know that: UC Davis calls this the critical social development period and says a puppy's earliest encounters shape behavior for life.

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Why do puppies leave trash everywhere? They are part of a litter.
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References

Answer: 3 and 14 weeks. Puppies are most open to new people, places and sounds when they are very young. Good early experiences help them grow into relaxed adult dogs.

  1. AVMA, Socialization of dogs and cats www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/socialization-dogs-and-cats
    The best time to start this process is between 3 and 14 weeks of age for puppies.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, Puppy Socialization healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/canine/puppy-socialization
    The critical social development period for dogs is approximately between 3 and 14 weeks.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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