Socializing your puppy has to start early

Having a puppy can be a lot of fun, but there's a lot more to helping your puppy grow into adult besides potty training. Many of the problems pet owners face with adult dogs, such as being fearful or aggressive, can stem from dogs being under socialized as puppies. For puppies, the more experiences they can have at a young age, the better. Beyond 4 months old, it becomes increasingly difficult, sometimes even impossible, to help dogs become comfortable in unfamiliar situations or around things they find frightening. Help your puppy become a happy and socialized adult by doing the following from as young an age as possible.

Meet new people

Introducing your puppy to as many new people as possible will help him learn that there is nothing to fear from strangers. At the shelter, we don't see many very young puppies but, when we do, we try to pass them among as many staff members as possible during the day at overnight so the puppy is exposed to new people, sights, and smells. Try to take your puppy with you wherever you can so she has the opportunity to meet all ages in all situations. Introduce your dog to children, people in wheelchairs, people in hats, and men with beards. Encourage people to pet your puppy and offer her treats as a reward for meeting them. Your puppy will learn quickly that new people are a good thing and not something that should be feared.

Get to know other animals

There are some dogs that will never live happily with other pets, but introducing your puppy to other dogs and cats at a young age may make a difference in you having a single pet household or the possibility of your puppy having a friend. Running off to the nearest dog park is not the best idea, though. Reach out to friends and family members who have friendly dogs and dog-savvy cats and use them to help introduce your puppy to other animals. Or consider enrolling in puppy class.

Puppy classes

A great way to help your puppy learn new things and experience new situations is by enrolling him in a class designed specifically for puppies. By attending a puppy class, your dog will learn how to interact with other dogs and people.

Handling

Handling is one of the things you might not think of when you first bring home a puppy but as your dog gets older (and bigger) it's something you'll be glad you worked on. While your puppy is still very young, help him get comfortable with handling by running your hands over his body and squeezing his feet. Offer lots of praise and rewards and encourage your friends and family members to do the same. Teaching your dog to be comfortable with handling will make many things in the future easier, like veterinary exams.

Keep your puppy safe

When you are socializing your puppy, always keep safety in mind. Remember that not every dog you meet will be friendly and that your puppy is not as vaccinated as older dogs. Always introduce your puppy to dogs you know to be friendly and healthy to avoid putting your puppy at risk of injury or illness.

Puppies are cute and fun, they do take a lot of work. Investing time in socializing your puppy is critical to helping him grow into a friendly and confident adult dog.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.