How To Socialize a Puppy to People

• This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but figuring out how to introduce them to new people can feel like a big task. Positive interactions at a young age will teach your pup that strangers, guests, and newcomers aren’t something to worry about.

In fact, according to recent studies, socializing your puppy to people during the critical socialization period of 2 to 4 months lowers the risk of them being fearful of people later in life. But how do you make sure those early interactions set them up for success?

The key is to create opportunities for your puppy to observe, approach, and engage at their own pace while helping them make a positive connection.

In this guide, we’ll cover when and how to start socializing a puppy with people, tips for positive introductions, and what to do if your pup isn’t fully vaccinated yet. With the help of Kait Hembree, Head of Training at GoodPup, we review how to make socialization to new people safe, fun, and stress-free.

How To Introduce a Puppy to People

Socializing a puppy to people is different from getting them used to new environments or handling. While those experiences focus on exposing your pup to new sensations, sounds, and smells, introducing them to people requires an extra layer of trust.

Puppies need to learn that different voices, movements, and energy levels are all normal variables when interacting with people. Since people react to puppies in unpredictable ways—some might be gentle while others get a little too excited—it’s up to you to guide those interactions so your pup remains stress-free and comfortable.

“When I coach pet parents, I give them the confidence to be in control of the interaction,” adds Hembree. “If the stranger can’t follow their instructions or they become concerned about their puppy’s response, they have to be prepared to leave.”

“That may be gently scooping their puppy up and removing them from the situation. It might mean throwing treats in a different direction to distract their puppy. The key is for pet parents to be comfortable enough to leave the situation if they need to for the better interest of their puppy.”

Step by step

1. Choose a quieter location. Too much noise or movement can be overwhelming, so start socializing with strangers in a calmer setting, like a park with plenty of space.
2. Let your puppy set the pace. If they seem curious about the stranger, allow them to approach. If they hang back, give them time or go in a different direction than the stranger.
3. Coach the stranger. Ask them to stay still, avoid looming over your puppy, and offer a treat to create a positive association.
4. Keep interactions short. A few seconds of calm engagement is all you need.
5. Step in if needed. If your puppy shows signs of stress, redirect their attention with treats or calmly remove them from the situation.

Introducing visitors and houseguests

Guests in the home can be both exciting and overwhelming for a puppy. Unlike a brief meeting on a walk, visitors will probably stick around, which means your puppy has more time to adjust. A structured introduction prevents overexcitement and helps your pup learn good manners around company.

Here’s how to introduce your puppy to visitors:

1. Prepare in advance. Take your puppy out for a potty break and have treats ready before guests arrive.
2. Create a controlled space. Use a leash or baby gate to prevent your puppy from rushing to greet visitors at the door.
3. Ask guests to ignore your puppy at first. Let your pup approach the visitors when they’re ready instead of feeling pressured to interact.
4. Reward calm behavior. Offer treats for sitting politely instead of jumping on guests or barking.
5. Give breaks as needed. If your puppy seems overstimulated, take them to a quiet space where they can relax.

People Socialization Checklist

Puppies need to experience a wide range of people in different contexts to grow into confident, adaptable dogs. The goal isn’t just meeting people but also seeing them move, speak, and interact in everyday situations. These experiences help your puppy learn that people can look, sound, and behave in many ways without being scary or overwhelming.

Here’s a checklist of people and situations to introduce your puppy to:

• Visitors inside your home
• Delivery drivers dropping off packages
• People greeting you with a handshake or hug
• People of different races and ethnicities
• Someone bending over to tie their shoe
• A group of people chatting or laughing loudly
• A person sitting on the ground
• A child running past or playing with a toy
• People carrying bags, umbrellas, or briefcases
• Someone opening or closing an umbrella
• A person using a walker, wheelchair, or crutches
• A runner or cyclist passing by
• People wearing hoods, hats, sunglasses, hijabs, or masks
• People with beards, mustaches, or no hair
• Someone pushing a stroller or shopping cart
• People in uniforms (mail carriers, firefighters, police officers, medical staff)
• A musician playing an instrument outdoors
• Someone pulling a suitcase or dragging a garbage bin
• A person standing still and ignoring your puppy
• A busy outdoor café or farmer’s market setting
• A vet or groomer handling your puppy gently
• A friendly stranger offering a treat

Tips & Tricks for Practice

Helping your puppy navigate social encounters takes patience and a little bit of strategy. Whether they’re shy, overly enthusiastic, or just getting started, the right approach can make all the difference.

Tips for shy puppies

Some puppies need a little extra time before they’re ready to say hello. That’s okay! Hembree says the key is to keep things low-pressure and let them set the pace.

Some other tips include:

• Have people crouch down at your puppy’s level and avoid direct eye contact to appear less intimidating.
• Ask visitors to toss treats rather than reaching out for immediate petting.
• Let your puppy approach when they’re ready—never force an introduction.
• Start with familiar, dog-experienced people before moving on to strangers.
• Choose low-key settings instead of busy, overwhelming environments.

“If you see your puppy struggling with something—or suspect, based on your experience of them so far, that they’re going to struggle—scale things way back,” adds Hembree. “Instead of taking them to the park on a weekend at noon, aim for a quiet weekday morning before people are out and about. And remember to always let your puppy opt out.”

Tips for rambunctious and high-energy puppies

If your puppy treats every new person like their best friend, you can teach them to tone it down a little. Showing them how to greet people politely will save you (and your guests) from future bursts of energy.

Some specific tips on how to socialize an energetic puppy include:

• Give them exercise and mental stimulation before greetings to reduce excess energy.
• Instruct visitors to ignore your puppy until they settle down.
• Keep your puppy on a leash to prevent jumping.
• Start at a distance, rewarding calm behavior as you gradually move closer.

Hembree also recommends keeping greetings short and redirecting your puppy’s focus with treats tossed on the ground to encourage them to have all four paws on the floor.

What If Your Puppy Isn’t Fully Vaccinated?

If your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated yet, you might be wondering how to safely introduce them to people outside without putting their health at risk. Many experts believe that the risks of poor socialization can sometimes outweigh the need to wait until vaccines are complete.

If you’re still waiting for the green light from your vet, there are ways to start socializing your puppy without taking unnecessary risks.

For example, you can invite friends and family over to meet your puppy in a controlled, clean environment like your home or backyard. Ask visitors to remove their shoes, wash their hands, and avoid bringing in anything that’s been in high-traffic dog areas.

For safe exposure beyond your home, consider carrying your puppy in your arms, using a secure puppy sling or backpack, or letting them sit in a pet stroller while out and about. This way, they can experience new people, sights, and sounds without direct contact with the ground.

Puppy classes where all the puppies have been vaccinated at least once are also often a safe option.