Dog socialization training for adult dogs: a slow, step-by-step plan
To socialize an adult dog, keep enough distance for it to stay comfortable and pair the trigger with something it loves. The aim is to change how your dog feels about that trigger. Best Friends Animal Society says, "It's never too late to socialize a dog." It also notes that socialization of adult dogs can take much longer than it does for puppies.
This guide is for adult dogs, including rescues who arrived frightened and dogs who missed out on socialization as puppies. If you have a young puppy, see our puppy socialization guide instead.
Why do adult dogs need a different plan?
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior describes the first three months of a puppy's life as the period when sociability outweighs fear. Best Friends Animal Society notes that dogs raised without enough experience of new people, places, sounds and objects often show fear of many commonplace situations.
The SPCA of Wake County's method starts with one stimulus, such as a vacuum cleaner or a man with a beard, and only later increases the number of stimuli.
Best Friends also warns against flooding, overwhelming your dog with something new all at once, which can create a negative association and a lifelong fear.
Step 1: find the distance where your dog stays calm
The SPCA of Wake County calls the starting point the threshold distance: your dog can be in the presence of the trigger and be alert or wary, but not extremely fearful.
Start far away and watch your dog. Best Friends advises watching your dog's body language and reducing the trigger's intensity if your dog looks even a little uncomfortable. Increasing the distance is one way to do that.
Step 2: pair the trigger with something good
The method is called counter-conditioning and desensitization. The SPCA of Wake County describes the aim as changing your dog's association with a scary stimulus from unhappy and fearful to very happy. The steps:
1. Stand at the threshold distance with treats your dog loves. 2. The moment your dog sees the trigger, start feeding treats, one after another. 3. When the trigger goes away, the treats stop.
Best Friends explains that with repetition your dog learns that the trigger means a treat is coming, and starts to feel better about it.
The SPCA of Wake County advises repeating these steps until the trigger consistently makes your dog look at you happily for a treat. Then move closer in small increments.
Step 3: keep sessions short and watch for stress
For training sessions in general, the AKC suggests that five minutes per session is more than enough.
Learn the signals that mean back off. The AKC lists excessive panting, pacing, tucking the tail, lip licking, yawning, freezing and crouching as common signs of stress. Wide, round eyes with the whites showing, known as whale eyes, are another sign. The ASPCA describes a tense dog's eyes as rounder than normal. For more on reading your dog, see our dog body language guide.
If you notice one, Best Friends advises reducing the trigger's intensity, for example by moving farther away.
Step 4: give your dog somewhere to retreat to
The AKC advises always providing a quiet space your dog can choose to retreat to. Some dogs like enclosed spaces and crates, it notes, while others prefer a spot under a table or in a bedroom. If you want to give your dog a bed of its own for that spot, see our dog beds. The AKC adds that it should stay a place your dog can always go to get away from family activity and not be bothered, including by petting.
Mistakes to avoid in adult dog socialization
Do not punish growling. The AKC warns that punishing a growl may make your dog more worried and stop it warning before it bites.
Do not use aversive tools to speed things up. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior states there is no evidence that aversive methods are more effective than reward-based ones.
Do not use the dog park as a classroom. The AKC notes that shy or nervous dogs may not enjoy a dog park and can be overstimulated by it.
When should you see your vet first?
If a dog who used to be relaxed suddenly reacts to things it ignored before, start with a vet visit. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior notes that, without a significant traumatic event, a sudden change in behavior is one of the earliest signs of a change in the dog's physical health. The ASPCA also lists medical conditions among the causes of aggression and advises working with your veterinarian.
If your dog shows severe aggression around other dogs, the AKC advises getting help from a professional trainer or animal behaviorist.
How long does socialization take?
There is no fixed timetable. The AKC advises that socialization for an older dog should go slow and steady, based on the severity of the dog's fear. The "3-3-3 rule" for rescue dogs refers to three days, three weeks and three months. Whole Dog Journal cautions that dogs do not follow a prescribed formula when settling in.
Frequently asked questions
Is it ever too late to socialize a dog?
No. Best Friends Animal Society says it is never too late to socialize a dog, though socialization of adult dogs can take much longer than it does for puppies. Work at a distance where the dog stays comfortable.
What are the signs that my dog is stressed around new things?
The AKC lists excessive panting, pacing, tucking the tail, lip licking, yawning, freezing and crouching as common signs of stress.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for dogs?
It is a rule of thumb for adopted dogs: three days, three weeks and three months to settle in. Whole Dog Journal cautions that dogs do not follow a prescribed formula when settling in.
How long should a socialization session be?
The AKC says five minutes is more than enough for a training session. If you see a stress signal, reduce the intensity, for example by adding distance.
Where to go next
JournalWhale eyes in dogs: what the white of the eye is telling youWhat the white of the eye is telling you
CollectionDog BedsA quiet place to come back to after a session
