A properly socialized dog can adapt well to any given situation – can get along well with all the pets of the family and all the members of the household. By socializing the pet an owner is assured to have an ideal and well behaved companion for life. A well socialized dog is a happy and well behaved member of the family as socialization prevents the development of unwanted behaviors. A first time dog owner may know about the need to socialize the pet but may wonder how this kind of training can be done.

Dogs are social creatures but similar to humans, our four legged friends have different personalities. Expect a nervous or shy dog to react with fear or aggression when exposed to new faces or situations. A dominant one would try to control not only other animals but humans as well. Providing the basic needs of the dog is not the only responsibility of a pet owner. A dog owner has to undertake the socialization of the dog so as to have well adjusted and well behaved pet that will not be intimidated nor show aggression when confronted with unfamiliar people and situations.

Socializing the pet is best started when the dog is about 8 to 16 weeks old. But this does not mean that older dogs cannot be socialized. To desensitize an older dog though, a pet parent has to be more patient and persistent. The curious nature of puppies and the fact that young dogs have not yet formed habits make socialization younger dogs a lot easier.

Introduce the puppy to everything that it will be exposed to as soon as the OK of the vet is received. Start by regularly grooming your dog so that it can get used to being touched. Being handled will prepare the dog to being touched by the vet, by the groomer and by other people.

Let the pet mingle with other dogs by taking the dog to the local dog park or enrolling the pet to an obedience class. The dog must be introduced to as many people and exposed to as many situations as possible. If possible always take the dog with you. The dog’s favorite treats will be positive reinforcements that will entice the dog to interact with people and other animals. All these extra efforts will be all paid up by having a well adjusted pet.