Tips on how to socialize a dog
Proper socialization is necessary to turn a dog into a well adjusted pet that can get along well with people and other pets in any given situation. Socialization develops the dog into a good canine citizen that will be ideal companion for a lifetime. Socialization is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner that will develop the dog into a happy and well adjusted member of the household. 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.
In spite of the fact that dogs are acclaimed to be social creatures, some individuals would not interact well with people and with other animals as dogs too have different personalities. A shy or nervous dog would show fear or aggression if confronted by unfamiliar faces or new situations. On the other hand, a dog with a dominant personality will always try to be the alpha male whether the pack consists of humans or animals. Providing the basic needs of the dog is not the only responsibility of a pet owner. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure that the pet is properly socialized so that it will grow into a well adjusted pet that can adapt to any situation and can interact with people and animals.
It is best to start socialization when the dog is between 8 to 16 weeks of age. This is not to say that older dogs can no longer be socialized. However, socializing an older dog would require more patience and persistence. Socializing puppies would be easier as apart from having a curious nature; puppies have not yet formed hard to break habits.
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. Entice the dog to respond well to socialization by using treats as rewards. All these extra efforts will be all paid up by having a well adjusted pet.