One of the best things you can do for your puppy is to socialize them in a variety of circumstances. While it won’t guarantee your dog will become bomb-proof, it is a great start. Puppies learn and develop a large part of their adult personality by 16 weeks of age. Positive and negative associations experienced during this time will affect them long term. As long as your puppy has started their vaccine series with us, we recommend getting your puppy out and about and having appropriate learning experiences. Be sure to handle your puppy, all over. Touch their ears, tail, toes, mouth, etc. This will help later in life when you or the vet needs to examine them. Get them used to wearing “clothing”. If they will need a sweater or life-jacket later in life, this activity will get them used to that. Make noises around your puppy. They may startle at first, but correct sensitization of noises will be beneficial later. Have adventures! Take your puppy out and do new things frequently. See new people and places. As your pet ages and develops into a well-adjusted adult dog, you will thank yourself for taking the time now to work with your puppy.