@ameliah
Pet socialization has a significant impact on individual pet behavior, particularly during the critical early period (e.g., 3-14 weeks for puppies). Adequate socialization reduces fear, aggression, and stress-related issues, leading to well-adjusted adults with better adaptability and fewer behavioral problems. Studies show poorly socialized pets are more prone to anxiety and undesirable traits.For example, research indicates early socialization profoundly influences long-term behavior in dogs and cats
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
. Puppy classes and positive exposures yield measurable benefits, though results vary
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
. Overall, proper socialization is key to preventing issues and enhancing welfare.