How to Socialize Your Puppy

Prepare your puppy for the world by giving him a few key social skills. Not only will they aid him in handling himself well in public, but make him more adoptable if you have to give him away.

Vaccinate Your Dog
Did you know that around age seven weeks a puppy should get a vaccination against viruses like Parvo? Until then, allowing him to be around other dogs is a health risk. Socialize your puppy by getting him all of his required shots. If you follow this process correctly, he should get injections every three to four weeks up to 17 weeks of age. If you don't, you will impend his ability to build up a strong immune system and possibly end his life early.

Teach Him the ABCs
Socialize your puppy by teaching him his ABCs. Train him to sit, stay, come and heel. These are basic commands that canines need to know in order to integrate safely into society. They help when you need to stop a roaming puppy from running into a busy street or jumping on a special guest that isn't keen on getting a lap full of hair.

Set Up Doggy Dates
Your young canine will never learn how to relate well to other dogs if he's never around them. Socialize your puppy by setting up "doggy dates" with other pet owners. Make sure you select ones with sweet, gentle dogs that can put up with a curious, clumsy peer and allow him to sniff, hang and play as long as necessary. Also, gradually allow friends and family to be around your puppy so he gets used to humans.

Walk Him on a Leash
Since most states have laws that require you to have your dog on a leash in public, socialize your puppy by training him to walk with one. Start with a light leash and allow at least three weeks of regular lessons. Initially, let him get used to seeing, touching and smelling a leash. Then, put the leash on him. Afterward, take him for short walks around the house or backyard until wearing a leash becomes second nature.

Get Him Housebroken
You will never be able to take your dog on vacation or into any major event that merits him to be indoors without housebreaking him. As soon as possible, designate a place for your canine to urinate and defecate outside and begin training him. The process can take a few days or up to six months. Either way, don't give up because being housebroken is a major key to socializing any puppy.

See how you can help your young pup become a respectable part of society? Give him what he needs so he can grow into an adult dog that understands how to navigate his environment in an acceptable way.

Source: Complete Healthy Dog Handbook, Betsy Brevitz