The most critical period for a puppy’s socialization is between the ages of 6 weeks and 4 months. Whatever the puppy experiences during those times helps to determine how the puppy will be as an adult. You cannot over-socialize a puppy but you can definitely under-socialize. This guide gives you a good idea of the amount of “stuff” you want your puppy to experience in a very positive way. The more check marks you have on your socialization guide, the better socialized your puppy will be. Always make sure the experiences are positive and avoid high-traffic dog areas, where you don’t know if the dogs are vaccinated. Take “cookies” with you wherever you and your puppy go, then ask people to give your puppy cookies or give them yourself when in new situations.