How to Socialize a New Puppy

Everyone wants a dog that is well-behaved when company comes over and can accompany his owners on errands, hikes or even vacations. In short, they want a dog that's a member of the family. There is a critical time in a puppy's life when he is best able to be "socialized," which is to become accustomed to life outside the home. This critical period is when the puppy is 7 to 12 weeks old. Once your pup has his first set of vaccinations (usually at around 6 weeks of age) he is ready to go out and meet the world. Here are some tips to help readers raise a happy, well-adjusted, social dog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Collar
• Leash
• Treats

1. Sign up for a puppy kindergarten class. Puppy kindergarten classes are a great way to socialize your puppy with unfamiliar dogs and people. In addition, your new family member will learn basic obedience commands like "sit" and "down." Check with your local pet supply store or veterinarian to see if they know of classes being held in your area. Sometimes a college will offer puppy kindergarten as one of its community education program. Even if your puppy is older than 12 weeks, sign her up anyway as 7 to 12 weeks is the optimum time for socialization, but you've got at least 6 months before your dog's view of the world is pretty much permanently formed. Most puppy kindergarten teachers require proof of age-appropriate vaccinations including rabies (if the dog is old enough).

2. Take your puppy shopping. Did you know that hardware stores usually allow pets? Unless a store sells food and/or speicifically states "no pets" at the front door, your puppy is probably welcome. Take along some treats and allow your fellow shoppers to feed them to your pet. This will teach your puppy that going to new places is fun she gets treats and attention. Also, if you live in a big city, look for restaurants and cafes that have outdoor seating, and take your puppy to lunch. Don't feel shy about asking passersby to give your dog treats while you sip cappucino. They'll love it and so will she. Even taking your puppy on a round of drive-through errands, such as the bank, mailbox or McDonald's, will give her a chance to see and smell new things.

3. Find your local dog park. There is nothing more fun for a friendly dog of any age than a completely fenced-in dog park where he can run around off-leash. Be careful, though, of taking a small puppy to the dog park and just letting him go. If there are a lot of adult dogs at the park, they may overwhelm the new arrival with barking and sniffing and could sour the dog park experience for your puppy for life. Try visiting a time or two and staying on the outside of the fence. Your dog can meet the others with a nice, safe wall of chain link between them. Once you feel comfortable taking your puppy into the dog park, try to spend most of your time on the other side of the park from the rest of the dogs. Your puppy will tell you when he's ready to play with the "big kids." One day he'll join in the fun. Be sure to take a couple of bottles of water for you and your puppy in warm weather.

4. Go to school. If there is a college or university in your town, you have the perfect place to take your puppy for socialization practice. Not only will your dog get exercise walking around campus, but college campuses are full of kids who are homesick for the dog they left behind with Mom and Dad. The students will line up to pet your puppy. Early evening walks are the best as you're more likely to run into students who live on campus and who aren't in a rush to get to their next class.

5. Take in a civic event or two. Fourth of July parades, art festivals in the park, pep rallies at your local college campus--these are all great opportunities to socialize your dog. However, do not make any of these noise-and crowd-intensive events your first or even second adventure out of the house for your puppy. Try to stay on the edge of the crowd, rather than in the center of it, at least until you know how your puppy is likely to react. If he is acting frightened, go home.

Tips & Warnings

• Fourth of July parades are one thing, taking your dog to the fireworks display is something completely different. If you're far enough away that you can see the fireworks but can't really hear the boom, take your dog along (but remember that your dog's hearing is much more sensitive than yours). If you're planning on a backyard barbecue and your own fireworks, consider boarding your puppy at the vet or a kennel for the day and night. Otherwise, you run the risk of terrifying your new family member in his own home.