How to socialize your puppy
Its first weeks at home shape how your dog will get along with other dogs, people and the city. Here's how to make the most of them without risking its health.
Reviewed by Paola De Valeri, veterinarian, October 17, 2026.
Why it matters so much
Between 3 and 14 weeks of age, puppies accept new things more easily than they fear them. What they meet calmly at that stage (people, dogs, noises, places) feels normal to them as adults.
A dog that didn't get to know the world in time may grow up fearful, and fear is one of the most common causes of bites and of dogs being given up. That's why the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends not waiting until all its vaccines are done.
How to do it without risking its health
- 1. Start after its first vaccine. It can meet others in controlled places from 7 days after its first vaccine, if it's healthy. Ask your vet when it can go out.
- 2. Healthy, vaccinated dogs you know. At first, let it meet calm adult dogs that are vaccinated and dewormed, at home or in a private garden.
- 3. Carry it in your arms or its carrier. It can get to know the street, traffic, the market and the elevator without touching the ground where many dogs go.
- 4. Puppy classes. A class with a clean floor and vaccinated puppies is one of the best ways to learn to play with other dogs.
- 5. Dog parks, later. Wait until its vaccines are complete to visit parks and dog areas, where dogs you don't know show up.
What it should meet in its first weeks
- People of all ages: children, older people, people with caps, glasses or umbrellas.
- City sounds: traffic, motorcycles, the doorbell, a blender and a vacuum, quietly at first.
- Being touched: paws, ears, snout and nails, as the vet will do.
- Its collar, leash, carrier and the car.
- Being alone for a while, so it learns to stay calm.
Signs it's scared and you should slow down
- Tail between its legs, ears back or a crouched body.
- Yawning, licking its nose or turning its head away.
- Trying to hide or escape.
If this happens, move it away from what scares it, let it watch from a distance and reward it when it's calm. Never force it to get closer.
Frequently asked questions
- At what age should a puppy be socialized?
- Ideally between 3 and 14 weeks of age. At home you can start as soon as it arrives, and outside from 7 days after its first vaccine, in controlled places.
- Can I take my puppy out before its vaccines are done?
- Yes, carefully: in your arms or its carrier, to homes with healthy vaccinated dogs or to puppy classes. Avoid parks and areas with many dogs until its vaccines are complete.
- How do I socialize my puppy with other dogs?
- Start with calm, vaccinated adult dogs you know, in short sessions. Let them sniff, reward calm behavior and separate them if one gets overwhelmed.
- What if my dog is already an adult?
- It can learn too, more slowly. Bring it closer to what scares it little by little and reward it when it's calm; if the fear is strong, look for a trainer or a vet who specializes in behavior.
Related guides
- Dog parks in Mexico City: where to walk and let your dog off leashFenced off-leash dog areas in Mexico City, parks for leashed walks and their rules.
- Mexican dog names: ideas for boys, girls and every personalityMexican dog names with meaning: boy, girl, food, Nahuatl, funny and chihuahua names, and how to teach your dog its name.
- Dog events in Mexico City: October and November 2026Events to go to with your dog in Mexico City this season: a costume contest, runs and Day of the Dead tips.
Wagori: everything for your pet, in one app
Keep its vaccine record, find vets and trusted services, and see events near you. It's free. The app is in Spanish for now.
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Sources
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