Tips On How To Socialize A Dog

Dog owners that have taken time to properly socialize a dog will have a pet that adapts to any situation and gets along well with people and other animals. Socialization is one way of developing a dog into a good canine citizen that will be a most valued companion of the family. Socialization is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner that will develop the dog into a happy and well adjusted member of the household. A first time dog owner may wonder at the need to socialize the dog and how dog socialization can be done.

Dogs are social creatures but similar to humans, our four legged friends have different personalities. A shy or nervous dog would show fear or aggression if confronted by unfamiliar faces or new situations. On the other hand, a dog with a dominant personality will always try to be the alpha male whether the pack consists of humans or animals. Taking a dog for a pet entails more that giving the dog its basic needs. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure that the pet is properly socialized so that it will grow into a well adjusted pet that can adapt to any situation and can interact with people and animals.

Socializing the pet is best started when the dog is about 8 to 16 weeks old. This does not mean that it is futile to socialize older dogs. To desensitize an older dog though, a pet parent has to be more patient and persistent. Puppies are easily socialized because they have not yet formed habits.

Introduce the puppy to everything that it will be exposed to as soon as the OK of the vet is received. Grooming will get the dog accustomed to being touched. These handling exercises will prepare the dog so that it will not react aggressively to being touched by the vet, by a child in the park or by a neighbor or a guest in the future.

An obedience school or frequent visit to the local dog park will be a good chance for the pet to interact with other dogs. It is necessary to give the pet a chance to meet as many people as possible and to be exposed to varied situations. Whenever there’s a chance take the dog along. Use treats to encourage the dog not to shy away from unfamiliar faces, places and situations. The socialization efforts will be all worth it as the dog will grow into a well adjusted and well mannered pet.