Socialization Guidelines: Under 16 Weeks

Age	Not allowed	Likely needs to be carried	Allowed to walk or be carried
Before puppy raiser placement: Under 8 weeks Home Socialization *Puppy Sitter	Any socialization in public/outside of the home Front or back yard Around dogs that are not under quarantine in your home	To and from the relieving area To and from the car Up and down stairs Meeting new people	Supervised in and around the house Up and down less than 5 stairs in the home In the relieving area
8-12 weeks *must have rec’d 8 wk vacs	All parks, including dog parks, are off limits Pet Stores Dog Friendly stores like Home Depot, Lowes, TJ Maxx Near dogs you are unfamiliar with Loud or busy environments City environments like NYC	Up and down stairs In loud stores or areas Public transportation Grocery or department stores Heavy or close traffic	Up and down stairs In loud stores or areas Public transportation Banks (great first walking socialization!) Libraries (great first walking socialization!)
12-16 weeks *must have rec’d 12 wk vacs	All parks, including dog parks, are off limits Pet Stores Dog Friendly stores like Home Depot, Lowes, TJ Maxx Near dogs you are unfamiliar with Loud or busy environments City environments like NYC	Depending on the dog’s temperament, the noise, and temperature of the environment the pup should be walking during public socialization.	Depending on the dog’s temperament, the noise, and temperature of the environment the pup should be walking during public socialization.

The following are off limits, regardless of puppy’s age: Amusement parks, escalators, zoos, firework displays, loud concerts. Please contact your advisor or area coordinator if you have any questions about a possible social outing or exposure you’re unsure about.