Why is Socializing Bernedoodle Puppies Important?
🐾 From Shyness to Confidence - The Power of Early Life Socialization
Here at Walnut Valley Puppies, we believe raising happy, confident puppies starts long before they leave our home. One of the very important things a puppy needs in early life is socialization.
In our experience, we've found that Bernedoodle puppies take much more time to get a good, solid foundation with human interaction than some other breeds. We take that knowledge seriously and spend lots of time interacting with all the puppies in their tender, developing days. From the time our puppies are born until the day they go home, we are making sure each one gets lots of TLC in preparation for life.
Why We Socialize Our Puppies
Bernedoodles are naturally smart, affectionate, and loyal. But even with their wonderful temperament, they aren’t automatically born confident. Socialization helps them learn that the world is a safe and friendly place, and people are friends, not foes.
Some of the ways we socialize our Bernedoodle puppies include:
- Sounds: Gentle exposure to a variety of different everyday noises helps a puppy feel secure. Our puppies get exposure to lots of different noises in those first several weeks of their life.
- People: This is a big one to us. We make sure that each Bernedoodle puppy gets lots of human interaction. It's so much fun to watch the little guys get to know us and become confident!
- Surfaces: Grass, hard surfaces, steps, ramps, rugs, and more are all a part of our puppies’ lives. These different things all help build confidence as they grow.
- Handling: Getting used to gentle touches on their ears, paws, tails, and bellies, etc., is important. Rough handling the puppies is never an option, but we do like holding them every which way. 😀 We found this helps them relax and enjoy us! Furthermore, they get lots of fun "tussle time" with each other and us.
- Experiences: Short rides around the property and to the vet, crate training, and playtime help the puppies learn flexibility and resilience. The little guys definitely get to see a lot before they go home!
These little steps might not seem big, but together they help shape how each puppy views the world.
Why Early Socialization Matters for Bernedoodle Puppies
Socialization isn't just something nice to do. It's essential for a happy, healthy dog that feels and acts secure. Bernedoodle puppies go through a critical socialization window between 3 and 16 weeks of age. During this time, their brains are like sponges, soaking up experiences that will affect their behavior for the rest of their life.
Young Bernedoodles are more accepting, less cautious, and definitely very curious! Positive interactions early in life help the puppies form healthy confidence. Lack of exposure to people and other things will create fears that affect them for the rest of their lives.
Additionally, proper socialization makes friendly puppies. Well socialized Bernedoodles usually grow into confident adult dogs who enjoy meeting new humans and are more likely to approach new situations with curiosity rather than fear – meaning greater adaptability in changes to environment, travel, and new routines.
At Walnut Valley Puppies, we often see a big difference in our puppies' confidence levels as they get up to five or six weeks old. By the time they are ready to go home, they are often almost overconfident! (If there is such a thing in puppies. 😄)
What Happens If Bernedoodle Puppies Aren’t Socialized
When puppies miss out on early socialization, it will likely affect them for the rest of their lives. Fear-based behaviors, shyness, and anxiety are normal outcomes. Unsocialized puppies will tend to be more fearful and anxious around new people, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments, requiring extensive behavior modification as adults.
Fear can manifest itself in unsocialized puppies through aggression. Often this shows up as growling, snapping, or other protective behavior. Simple things like going to the vet, riding in the car, or being groomed can be very difficult with fearful puppies, and are so much easier and stress-free with well-socialized puppies!
Our goal is to help families avoid these struggles by sending home puppies who already have a strong foundation of positive experiences. By the time the puppies go home, they’ve already practiced adapting to a bunch of life’s little changes. That foundation makes the transition to your family smoother and less stressful for everyone!
How Socialization Builds a Strong Bond With Your Bernedoodle
A big benefit of socialization is the bond it creates between the puppy and the family. Well-socialized puppies are more likely to trust their family because they’ve learned people are safe and kind. They enjoy learning since new experiences are associated with encouragement and love, and they’re learning that their humans make them feel good!
When you guide your puppy through new experiences, you become their source of security and protection. As you safely expose them to different environments, sounds, people, etc., they learn to trust you. Being patient, gentle, and consistent, helps them to trust, especially during those early days when everything is new and potentially overwhelming.
This foundation of trust and positive experiences creates a dog that will see you as their partner, protector, and best friend for life. I've often been amazed at how much a dog that is loved and cherished will give back to its family.
We start the trust-building process at a very young age, meaning your puppy goes home well started in life. They will quickly attach to their new family and feel secure in their new home. They’ve already learned that humans are safe and good, and have learned to adapt to change.
When a puppy feels safe and confident, your relationship grows stronger and better at a much faster pace.
Continuing Bernedoodle Puppy Socialization at Home
When you bring your Bernedoodle home, socialization shouldn’t stop! Here are some simple ways to keep building on the foundation they received from our family:
- Spend lots of time with your puppy. Hold them in different positions, go on walks with them, and do whatever makes both of you happy together! 😁
- Introduce new people gradually, making it a positive experience.
- Expose them to safe places like parks, sidewalks, or pet-friendly stores. Bernedoodles love the outdoors!
- Make a big deal out of your puppy’s wins! Reward their bravery with treats, praise, and affection when they handle new situations well. Apply the same approach to obedience training. Rewarding good behavior teaches your puppy what you want, while at the same time strengthening your bond together.
- Keep it positive – Don't force your puppy into overwhelming situations. Their confidence will grow fastest when new experiences are fun and safe.
Think of socialization as a lifelong process. Dogs are like us. Even as adults, they benefit from new experiences!
FAQ: Socializing Bernedoodle Puppies
Q: What exactly is puppy socializing?
A: Puppy socializing is the process of exposing your puppy to lots of different sounds, experiences, environments, and people. We are very intentional about spending time with our puppies, as human interaction is very important.
Q: When should I start socializing my puppy?
A: The most important window of socialization is the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life. We start at 3 days old with early neurological stimulation. (See our ENS page for details.) When the puppies are approximately three weeks old, we start introducing them to much more. Your puppy will go home with a good start, but it is important that you immediately continue loving socialization after your puppy comes home.
Q: Can a puppy ever be “too young” for socialization?
A: Puppies should be gently exposed to new experiences from the start, but in safe, age-appropriate ways.
Q: What happens if I don’t socialize my puppy?
A: Puppies who aren’t socialized often grow into fearful or anxious dogs, which can lead to stress and behavioral issues. Proper socialization helps prevent these problems and makes life so much easier for both the dog and family!
Q: Is it ever too late to socialize a puppy?
A: While it's true that the critical window to socialize a puppy closes at around 16 weeks old, socialization should definitely continue through the dog's life. If you missed the early window, you will likely find it harder to bond with your dog. Additionally, behavioral issues are often harder to address That said, you will still gain with socialization! In worst-case scenarios you may need to get professional help from a certified trainer.
Q: Do Bernedoodles need more socialization than other breeds?
A: All puppies need socialization, but we have found that Bernedoodle puppies especially benefit from it. Their playful, people-loving personalities definitely shine brightest when they’re given positive early experiences. As stated earlier, we have found that Bernedoodle puppies need more socialization at an early age than do some other breeds. (Be sure to get a Bernedoodle puppy from a breeder that knows about these things and is doing his due diligence in preparing your puppy for your home!)
Q: How long should I keep socializing my dog?
A: Socialization doesn’t end after puppyhood. Dogs benefit from new experiences throughout their lives. Keep introducing your Bernedoodle to new sights, sounds, and environments at a pace that feels safe and encouraging.
Still looking for more? AKC and Wagbar have great articles on the subject!
Final Thoughts
Socialization is one of the most important gifts we can give our Bernedoodle puppies. It shapes who they’ll become and ensures they’re ready to live a happy, full life as your loyal companion.
At Walnut Valley Puppies, we’re honored to give each of our puppies this loving head start. We have many customers that can confirm this by experience! When your puppy comes home, you’re not just bringing home a puppy—you’re welcoming a best friend who’s been nurtured, loved, and prepared for a lifetime of joy!
🐾 Ready to meet your future family member? Explore our puppies here and see the difference that intentional, loving socialization makes!
