While the critical puppy socialisation window is well known, ongoing positive social experiences throughout adult life maintain good welfare and prevent fear generalisation.
Socialisation is often discussed as an exclusively puppyhood concern, but the maintenance of positive social experiences throughout adult life is an ongoing welfare need. Dogs that are well-socialised as puppies but subsequently isolated from varied social experiences can develop increasing anxiety about novel situations as their neural flexibility decreases without ongoing positive exposure. Regular encounters with new environments, people, and dogs — always managed to remain positive — maintain the behavioural flexibility and confidence that good puppy socialisation establishes. Adult dogs in homes where they rarely leave familiar environments may gradually narrow their behavioural comfort zone in ways that reduce quality of life.