How to Socialize Your Doodle Puppy: Step-by-Step Socialization That Builds Confidence (Part 1)

Socializing your puppy is one of the most important steps in raising a confident, calm, and well-adjusted Doodle 🐾 — and it’s often misunderstood.

In this episode of The Doodle Pro® Podcast, I’m joined by Marge Rogers and Eileen Anderson, co-authors of Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It, to walk you through puppy socialization step by step using science-based, humane methods.

Whether you’re raising a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, or another Doodle mix, this episode explains how thoughtful socialization builds confidence and reduces fear-based behaviors later in life. You’ll also learn why socialization isn’t just for puppies — it’s an ongoing process that supports dogs at every age.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔️ Why early socialization matters more than “exposure” alone
✔️ How to read and respond to your puppy’s body language
✔️ How to build positive associations with new people, sounds, and environments
✔️ Practical tips for socializing around kids, other pets, grooming, and daily life
✔️ Why these same principles apply to adolescent and adult Doodles

👉 Next listen: Continue with “Puppy Socialization Myths Debunked (Part 2)”, where we clear up common mistakes and share expert techniques for raising confident Doodles.

🎁 Free resource

Download my complimentary Puppy Socialization Checklist to track quality, positive exposures without overwhelm:
👉 https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization

📘 Want the full framework?

Inside Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™, you’ll find my step-by-step Socialization Schedule, designed specifically for Doodles to support calm, confident development.
👉 thedoodlepro.com/book

🎧 Hit play to learn how to socialize your Doodle puppy with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

🌟 Want Ongoing Support With Your Doodle?

Love your Doodle and want ongoing, science-based support? The Doodle Pro® Honor Society offers live Q&As with me, expert guest sessions, a resource library, and a private Doodle parent community. 

👉 Learn more at https://thedoodlepro.com/honorsociety

Transcript

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Welcome to The Doodle Pro™ Podcast: Puppy Socialization (Part 1)

[00:00:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
Hi, Doodle parents! Before we dive into this replay, I want to take a quick moment to talk directly to you. I've been hearing from so many of you who are about to welcome or have recently welcomed a new Doodle puppy into your home—congratulations!

With all the cuteness and joy ahead, I can’t stress enough how critical early socialization is for setting your Doodle up for a lifetime of confidence and happiness.

Why Socialization Matters for Your Doodle

This episode features two incredible experts who literally wrote the book on puppy socialization. If you’re wondering how to give your pup the best start in life—or if you need a refresher—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

[00:01:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
Remember, socialization isn’t just about meeting other dogs or people; it’s about creating positive experiences that help your Doodle thrive in a busy human world.

Why Replay This Episode Now?

[00:02:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
Hi again, Doodle parents! Before jumping into this replay, I want to share why I chose this particular episode and give you a heads-up about what’s next.

Lately, I’ve heard from many of you who are welcoming or preparing to welcome new Doodle puppies into your lives. First off, congratulations! I know how exciting—and a little overwhelming—this time can be. That’s why I wanted to revisit one of the most important topics for any Doodle parent: socialization.

Free Gift: Puppy Socialization Checklist

Here’s a little something extra to make it easier for you! I’ve put together a free Puppy Socialization Checklist just for you. It’s designed to complement the expert advice in this episode and help you confidently navigate your Doodle’s early weeks.

You can grab your copy right now at thedoodlepro.com/socialization.

Introducing Our Expert Guests

[00:03:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
I had the honor of interviewing two professionals who literally wrote the book on dog socialization—Marge Rogers and Eileen Anderson. Their insights were too valuable to fit into one episode, so this conversation is split into two parts.

Be sure to subscribe or follow The Doodle Pro™ Podcast to catch part two, where we dive deeper into topics like parvo risks, submissive peeing, and much more!

Setting the Stage: Why Socialization is Critical

[00:05:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
Socialization is about more than just taking your puppy to meet new people or dogs. It’s about introducing them to the world in a way that builds confidence and reduces fear. This process includes:

• Reading canine body language.
• Exposing puppies to various textures, sounds, and objects.
• Creating positive associations with grooming tools, people, and other animals.

Our guests, Marge Rogers and Eileen Anderson, emphasize the importance of recognizing subtle signs of fear and anxiety in your puppy’s body language. This is key to helping your Doodle develop into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

Meet Our Experts

Marge Rogers:
"I'm a certified canine behavior consultant, a professional dog trainer, and a certified Control Unleashed instructor. My business is Rewarded Behavior Continues."

Eileen Anderson:
"I’m the blogger behind Eileen and Dogs, and I’ve been in the dog world for over 10 years. I co-authored this book with Marge to provide practical information on socialization."

[00:07:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
Eileen’s blog is phenomenal! I often recommend her posts to clients, especially her guide on teaching your dog to sleep in.

Key Takeaways on Puppy Socialization

1. Body Language is Key
   Marge explains:

"Owners often miss subtle signs of fear or anxiety, such as lip-licking, side-eye glances, or a lowered tail. Recognizing these early signals is essential to helping your puppy feel more comfortable."

1. Exposure Alone Isn’t Enough
   Socialization is not about checking boxes or simply exposing your puppy to new things. It’s about creating positive associations.
2. Start with Low-Intensity Experiences
   Marge advises starting with low-stress situations to set your puppy up for success:

"Don’t begin with a group of children or a crowded park. Start small—introduce one child at a time or a single new environment."

1. The Sensitive Period
   Eileen highlights that the sensitive period for socialization occurs between 3–14 weeks:

"During this time, puppies are more likely to approach new things and bounce back from small fears. After 12–14 weeks, they may become more wary of novel experiences."

Making Grooming Positive

[00:15:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
For Doodles, grooming is a lifelong necessity. Even if your puppy’s coat isn’t tangled yet, start introducing grooming tools early to build positive associations.

Marge shares:

"Use treats or play to make brushing, clippers, and blow dryers something your puppy enjoys—not fears."

Closing Thoughts

[00:38:00] Corinne - The Doodle Pro™:
Are you feeling inspired by Marge and Eileen’s discussion on socialization? Don’t forget to download my free Puppy Socialization Checklist at thedoodlepro.com/socialization.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The Doodle Pro™ Podcast! If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts.

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