Dog Socialization

Dog Socialization should begin as early as possible, and continued throughout your dog's lifetime. Dog Socialization quite simply means, exposing your dog to new people, other dogs, and animals, in as many settings and situations as possible. Proper socialization of your dog will curtail dog aggression, and aggression towards humans. It is an important part of dog training, and should not be overlooked. Dogs that are not properly socialized tend to have phobias, irrational fears, and a lot of anxiety, which can lead to other behavioral problems down the line like Excessive Dog Barking, Dog Chewing, or Dog Separation Anxiety.

Obviously, beginning socialization in puppyhood is ideal, but not always possible if you've adopted or rescued an older dog. Having said that, it is never too late to start, and dog socialization should never end! One important thing to note: Your behavior will set the tone! If you're anxious about your dog's meetings, he/she will be too. Remember when introducing your dog to new people or animals always behave calmly, and positively.

Below are some ideas on how you can socialize your dog:

1. Introduce your dog to as many people as possible in a non-threatening environment. Make sure that you introduce males, females, children and adolescents. Supervise all interaction, and make sure that each experience is a positive one for your dog. If your dog has enough encounters with friendly males that give him biscuits, or kibbles for example, he is likely to seek out males in the future and not be agressive towards them, or suspicious of them.
2. Have small dinner parties at your home to introduce your new dog to your friends. Again, make sure your friends Ooh and Ahh, over your dog, and give him lots of affection.
3. Take your dog on neighborhood walks with other owners. This will give your dog a chance to interact with other dogs, and observe their behavior. Especially, if you have a puppy, your dog will start to imitate the Leash Behavior of the other dog. (No one trains a dog better than another dog!)
4. Take your dog to obedience classes
5. Take your dog to dog parks
6. Introduce your dog to your neighbor's friendly cat
7. If allowed take your dog to a local farm, petting zoo
8. Take your dog to local pet shops, like Petco, or PetSmart, etc. (most pet shops welcome canines) There they will not only meet and see other animals and people, but they will be bombarded with tons of smells to captivate them
9. Invite your neighbor's over to meet the dog, (this is also a good idea because it gives your neighbors a chance to meet him/her, and if they ever notice your dog escaping the yard for example, they will know who to bring the dog back to!)
10. If you have children, invite some of their classmates over after school
11. If you don't have children walk your dog near a school when school lets out
12. Bring your dog on an elevator ride with you
13. Take your dog to doggy day care
14. Walk your dog in a crowded part of town
15. Take your dog to a groomer
16. Take your dog for a ride in your car (not just when you go to the Vet)
17. Join YouPet.com Free - A place where pets rule! Create a pet profile (for free) and meet other people in your area for doggy play dates, etc.

These are just a few ideas. I'm sure you can come up with tons more stuff to do in your City or Town.

Remember, these types of things should be done throughout your dog's whole life!

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