How to Socialize Your Puppy

When you think of socializing, you may think of a person talking and interacting with another person. So what does it mean to socialize your puppy? This simply means getting him used to other people. Every time you take your dog to a place he has never been before, see people whom he has never seen before, or see things he has never seen before, he is socializing. Between 7 and 16 weeks of age is a very pertinent time for a puppy. These few weeks are critical time in a dogs life. A dog will never forget what he learned in those 9 weeks. This is where personality traits take its form from its good or bad experiences. Their personality may begin to portray if he is going to be outgoing or shy, happy or cautious, eager to learn, or resents authority type of dog.

While visiting friends with your puppy, or meeting a new friendly person helps to socialize him. So does playing with other puppies or with a soccer ball at the park. You should introduce your puppy to all kinds of people. This includes senior citizens, young adults, children, bearded men, people with hats and sunglasses on, people of different races, etc. He also needs to learn to walk on carpet, hard tile floor, grass and pavement and how to climb up and down the stairs. If you plan to take you dog with you to different places, it may also be wise to get him used to car rides.

There are two rules of thumb that should be followed while socializing a puppy. One, you should never pet him when he is afraid, and two, always praise him for being brave. If you notice that your dog is afraid of something, you should not pet him or use soothing words to him. Your dog may interpret these words as praise and continue with the behavior when the situation arises.

Petting your dog during fearful situations can cause mixed signals which are harder to undue. He will repeat what he is praised for therefore becoming a learned reaction and therefore be hesitant at every new situation. However, you should never jerk him toward the object he fears, this can turn into total terror.

So what should you do in this situation? If your puppy is afraid to go near something, leave him alone and go yourself. Handle the object with tender care and invite your puppy to come to you. Sitting down with the feared object works well also. When your puppy physically touches it with his nose, then and only then should the praise begin.

It is important for your puppy to be exposed to different environments. Not only does this help him in various situations, but it also gives you an opportunity to see how he will respond in certain situations. Puppies are normally happy and bouncy animals by nature, socializing them at an early age will benefit them in the years to come making them happy go lucky pets.