2 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Socializing your new puppy is an important step in your young dog's early training. Getting your dog familiar with people, places, sights, sounds, smells, and other animals will help him be a happy pet you can take almost anywhere.

The following are a few tips that can help:

1. Take puppy for frequent walks in the neighborhood: Not only will he get his exercise, he'll also meet and greet your neighbors. Should he ever get out of your home or yard and roam the streets without you knowing, your neighbors will recognize him and know where he lives. If he knows them, the neighbor can easily approach him to take him home.

2. Let puppy go with you in the car: Even if it's just a trip to the bank or post office, the drive will get him familiar with the human environment and make him less afraid of the myriad sights, sounds and smells we take for granted.

3. Visit pet-friendly stores: Some stores are welcoming to dogs and are a great place to socialize your puppy. Besides PetSmart and Petco, there's also Home Depot and Lowes, though you should call first to make sure the store in your area is pet-friendly. Some cities have thrift shops sponsored by The Humane Society, and they like it when folks drop in with their pets. Here's a guide to locate pet-friendly stores in your area.

4. Introduce puppy to friends and strangers: Don't hesitate to ask someone for their assistance. Hand a friend, or even a stranger, a dog treat to offer your pup. He will associate the gesture in a positive way and become less fearful of new people.

5. Visit the local dog park: Many cities have fenced-in dog parks where you can let your dog roam free without his leash. It's a wonderful environment for puppy to meet new people and make canine friends, and to run off all that excess puppy energy.

6. Take puppy for visits with friends and family: When puppy goes to the homes of your friends and family, he knows these are people he can trust because he knows you trust them, too. It's a new environment where he can feel comfortable when he senses your comfort and familiarity. If friends and family members have pets, this will allow him to get to know them as well.

7. Visit a public park where children play: This is a great opportunity for puppy to familiarize himself with noisy children at play. Let the children come up to him for a pet, but be attentive to how he reacts. If he growls, that could be a warning of his fear and there's a chance he might bite, so back off. It could be an indication he's not the type of dog to get along well with children.

By introducing your puppy to new experiences, he's likely to be less fearful when confronted with new situations as he grows up.

Learn more about this author, Karen Duvall.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for puppy socialization?
We want to hear your view. Write now!