Puppy Socialization: Essential Steps for Raising a Happy Puppy

We adopted our first puppy five months ago, and have tried hard to provide many experiences for him, including opportunities for socialization. He is eight months old now, and has overcome his fear of wood floors and walking on a leash. Meeting new dogs is becoming easier, and almost fun now. He has a way to go, but with proper socialization he will get there.

First Impressions
Our breeder provided the very first opportunities to experience this big new world. The first window for learning began at four weeks of age when puppies brains are most receptive to new experiences. This window is open for about 2 months, and is your best opportunity to introduce new sounds, smells, people, animals and things to them. If this window is missed, it will leave your puppy somewhat handicapped. It's not something you can't overcome. It just won't be as easy when this window closes.

Try to offer new experiences as often as possible in controlled environments. This will ensure that most of the experiences will be positive. These early experience can have an impact on the rest of your dog's life. Giving them positive experiences will help them react calmly to new experiences in the future. Allowing them to experience too many negative experiences will cause them to be provoked by many of the things that they will encounter for the rest of their lives.

Ideas for Socialization
1) Visit the dog park. It's a great opportunity to let your puppy play, run and interact with other dogs.
2) Find opportunities for your puppy to meet new adults and children. Take a walk around your neighborhood or outdoor mall.
3) Use treats to encourage positive behaviors while interacting with new experiences.
4) Be confident when your puppy is fearful, rather than cuddling them. You are the pack leader. If you are confident, they will have no reason to be fearful.
5) If your puppy growls at another dog, avoid cuddling them. Their growling may be their way of protecting you. If you cuddle them they will feel that their effort to protect you was appreciated, and the unwanted behavior will continue.
6) Keep a safe distance from dogs that will torment or attack your puppy.
7) Provide a living space for your puppy were they will not be agitated by aggressive dogs in your neighborhood.
8) Meet new dogs on a leash. After they have had a chance to say hello, you can let them off the leash.
9) Enroll in puppy school. It's another opportunity for your puppy to meet other dogs, as well as receive professional guidance on the training of your new family member.
10) Be consistent with your expectations for positive behavior in every situation.