Little puppies don’t come into our world with knowledge about humans or our world. If they don’t have a chance to learn about the people, animals, and things in their environment, they may grow up to be fearful, anxious and antisocial adults.

The first few months of your puppy’s life are the most critical for its development. The socialization process should begin as soon as you get the new puppy. Start with simple, quiet, one-person introductions, and gradually include more people in noisier situations. Invite friends, relatives, and their pets to come to your home to meet, greet, and play with your pup. As soon as your veterinarian says your puppy is adequately vaccinated, take it on as many walks and outings as possible. Avoid situations that might be high risk for disease such as neighborhood parks or areas with stray dogs. To make the new introductions special, give a small treat to the puppy whenever it meets a new friend. If your puppy seems exceptionally cautious when introduced to situations or stimuli, start off with mild exposure, and give food rewards for nonfearful responses.

It is important that your puppy meets a variety of people of all ages and appearances. A puppy that grows up in a restricted social group (e.g. all adults or all females) may show fear and aggression when later exposed to people who appear or act significantly different (e.g. children, men with beards).
Properly socializing and shaping your puppy’s temperament requires an investment in time. You will find that your efforts are worthwhile when you become the proud parent of a social, friendly dog.

Try these ideas for socializing your pup!

1. Take your puppy to the school playground at recess and let him watch the kids play.
2. Visit the waiting room of the veterinarian - just for fun!
3. Walk  your puppy off leash in a meadow and in the woods. Let him walk in the tall grass, roll in leaves and climb on logs.
4. Take your puppy to visit a farm. Keep him on a leash but let him see cows, horses and chickens. Let him smell the farm smell.
5.  Walk your puppy on a leash on Main Street. He should see trucks, cars, bicycles, and many people.
6.  Take your puppy to a pond or lake to test the water. See if you can encourage him to go into the water.
7. Invite your friends over for a puppy welcoming party. Your puppy should meet as many people (men, women and children) as possible while he’s young.
8. Take your puppy through the drive-thru to get a dog biscuit or to the ice cream shop for a mini cone.
9. Visit the pet food supermarket with your puppy. Let him look at the fish and walk down the aisles with all those wonderful doggy smells.
10. Take your puppy to Puppy Steps to train and play!