New Puppy? Set them up for Success! Want a dog that gets along great with strangers, kids, and dogs? Want a dog you can take anywhere without worry? Want a dog that is social, happy and confident? Proper socialization is the key! The socialization period in dogs is between 3-16 weeks of age. This period is the absolute most important in a dog’s life. This is when a dog learns that they need not be scared, worried or upset by strangers, kids, dogs, novel objects, and new sounds. It’s during this period of their life that you as an owner can have the most influence and impact on helping a young puppy learn that the human world is a safe and fun place to live.