The socialisation period, between 3–12 weeks of age, is one of the most critical stages of a dog’s development. During this window, experiences shape long-term confidence, sociability, and stress responses. Stolzlechner, Bonorand, and Riemer (2022) conducted a controlled experiment on 83 puppies from 12 litters to investigate whether structured “challenge” exercises could optimize socialisation.
Half of each litter was assigned to a treatment group that received age-appropriate exercises, including novel object exposure, mild noise challenges, and problem-solving tasks, between 3 and 6 weeks of age. The control group spent the same amount of time with trainers through play and cuddling, without the additional challenges.
At 6–7 weeks, puppies in the treatment group showed clear advantages: they were bolder toward novel objects, startled less, recovered more quickly from sudden noises, and solved problem tasks with greater persistence. By contrast, the control group demonstrated greater interest in a friendly stranger, possibly due to their increased handling and social contact.
However, follow-up assessments at six months showed no long-term differences in personality traits between the groups. The authors conclude that while early-life challenges can provide short-term benefits in boldness and resilience, ongoing training is necessary to preserve and strengthen these effects throughout the puppy’s development.
Source: Stolzlechner, L., Bonorand, A., & Riemer, S. (2022). Optimising Puppy Socialisation–Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Training Programme during the Early Socialisation Period. Animals, 12.
