Windows of Opportunity: a New Look At Canine Socialization

Veterinarians and trainers often recommend “socialization” to owners of young puppies as part of standard education and care. Most recommendations are focused on exposing the puppies to a variety of stimuli including children, novel objects and body handling. It is important to recognize that socialization outcomes are affected by more than just these experiences. Long term socialization and adult behavior patterns can be affected by genetic influences as well as by specific experiences during multiple developmental stages including the prenatal, neonatal and early socialization periods.

Genetic influences
Much information can be learned from the results of experiments conducted by the Russian geneticist Belyaev on silver foxes. Following selective breeding for behavioral traits associated with tameness and domestication, the researchers observed changes in the physical and physiological appearance as well as in the behavioral characteristics of the offspring.
Behavioral changes included increases in solicitation of contact and social interaction from humans, increases in licking behavior directed towards human hands and faces, and increases in tail wagging and other care soliciting behaviors. The socialization period of the selected offspring was extended from the normal 40-45 day limit until approximately 60-65 days.1 Physical/physiological changes included a shift to twice annual reproductive cycling, drooped ears, erect tail carriage as well as changes in coat texture and color. […]