What behavioral trait concerning strangers necessitates careful socialization for the Yakutian Laika puppy?

A natural wariness toward strangers that can become undue suspicion if not managed

The Yakutian Laika’s historical role involved guarding camps and herds, meaning they developed a natural instinct to be alert and cautious around unknown presences. This translates in domestic settings to a natural wariness when encountering strangers. While this alertness makes them reliable watchdogs that will announce unusual activity, if this innate caution is not properly managed during crucial developmental periods, it risks escalating into undue suspicion, anxiety, or defensiveness toward unfamiliar people. Therefore, early and broad socialization, introducing the puppy to a wide variety of sights, sounds, and people in positive, controlled social situations during puppyhood, is absolutely crucial to shaping them into well-adjusted adults.