Tips for Socializing Your Dog

Dogs become great companions when they are properly socialized. They will not display aggressive behavior towards anyone in normal situations as they are generally friendly with anyone they get to meet. Puppies that were not taught how to socialize usually bite and act aggressively when they are frightened or out of fear.. they are more difficult to train and are most unpleasant. They experience difficulty in adapting to situations that they do not know anything about, and simple vet visits can be horrifying for them.

 Begin socializing your dog as as you get it home. This should continue for quite some time for your puppy to become happy and well rounded. Puppies are easiest to be socialized under three months of age. It will already be difficult for the dog over that age to be well socialized. It also requires a lot of energy, time, and patience. Here are some tips on what you can do in order to socialize your puppy:

1. Make sure that every activity and experience is calm and it should not be threatening whenever you are making your puppy socialize. Your puppy's first experiences should be fun and happy. If not, it will only cause phobia for your dogs against socialization which he might never overcome. To get your puppy accustomed, it is best that you take your time rather than rushing your puppy to accept things at once.

2. Allow your dog to meet a lot of people and animals. You can do this by inviting people over. Be sure you have all age groups, men and women, and people coming from different ethnicity.

3. Invite other dogs over. Make sure they are healthy and have been vaccinated so interaction with your puppy would not be a problem. You and your dog can also go visit people with other pets, like cats so your dog will be able to get used to them.

4. Take your puppies for a ride in the car. Make sure it doesn't stick its head out the window.

5. Allow your dog to explore inside your home safely. Shoe them and introduce to them the different things around the house like the vacuum cleaner.

6. Let your puppy be used to wearing his collar, his leash, and other things around him you want him to get used to.

7. Don't make your puppy frightened or be hurt so he will not have trauma or phobias. You need to have your puppy be socialized as this is needed for him to behave properly and grow well. Make sure you do it in a calm way for your dog not to get frightened instead.

Information written by Deb Swantek of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our complete variety of pet stairs online.