Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Talk to your veterinarian. In addition to making sure that the puppy is physically healthy enough to begin exposure to other dogs and people, your veterinarian will provide you with important information regarding the personality traits of your dog's breed and specific areas to work on. Ask about tendencies towards other dogs and small children.
Step2
Begin socializing early. The earlier you begin socializing your puppy, the quicker he will become comfortable and confident in his environment. Start the socialization process as soon as the puppy has established enough of a bond with you that it trusts you. If the puppy has not been through all of its puppy shots and immunizations, carry the puppy in your arms when you begin socialization and limit contact with other dogs until the immunizations have been completed to avoid exposure to heartworm and other potentially harmful diseases and parasites.
Step3
Vary your puppy's exposure. Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people so that they can become comfortable around everyone, from senior citizens to the mailman to small children. Try to take the puppy to a wide variety of locations where they will encounter people of all ages and behaviors.
Step4
Use caution when selecting environments. Socialization can be an overwhelming process for a puppy. Before taking your puppy to a dog park where he will be surrounded by dozens of dogs with different temperaments, introduce him to the neighbor's dog or a few at once. Use the same technique when socializing your puppy with people; ask one or two people to spend time with the puppy before taking the dog to a busy shopping center or a county fair.
Step5
Discourage negative behavior. Growling should never be permitted, even by small dogs that seem harmless. Growling that is ignored could eventually lead to biting as a defensive behavior and should be stopped immediately. If your dog growls at another dog or person, firmly tell him "No!" Attempt to socialize the puppy with the person he growled at later in a controlled meeting, and repeat the process until the growling behavior stops.
Step6
Pay attention to your puppy's reactions. When socializing your puppy, pay close attention to how he reacts to certain places, sounds, animals and people, and make mental notes of areas that may require special attention. Do not force your puppy to meet someone if he pulls away or seems scared. Instead, gently encourage him into the situation and repeatedly introduce him to the object of his fear using small treats and positive commands, like "Good boy!" and "There you go!"
Step7
Be patient. Socializing your new puppy will not happen overnight. Even the friendliest of dogs will encounter a situation or type of person that requires a little extra attention for them to be comfortable or learn how to behave properly. Use patience, repetition and lots of encouragement and your puppy will respond positively.
