A properly socialized dog can adapt well to any given situation – can get along well with all the pets of the family and all the members of the household. By socializing the pet an owner is assured to have an ideal and well behaved companion for life. Proper socialization prevents the development of unwanted behavior and turns the dog into a happy and well behaved member of the family. A first time dog owner may have heard about the necessity to socialize the pet, of the benefits of socialization but how is a dog socialized.

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. Shy or nervous dogs will react either with fear or with aggression to unfamiliar faces or to 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. Taking a dog for a pet entails more that giving the dog its basic needs. A dog owner has to undertake the socialization of the dog so as to have well adjusted and well behaved pet that will not be intimidated nor show aggression when confronted with unfamiliar people and situations.

It is best to start socialization when the dog is between 8 to 16 weeks of age. But this does not mean that older dogs cannot be socialized. To desensitize an older dog though, a pet parent has to be more patient and persistent. Puppies are easily socialized because they have not yet formed habits.

As soon as the vet has given the GET-GO, the puppy must be introduced to everything that it will be exposed to when it gets older. 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. Introduction to people and animals as well as exposure to varied situations will socialize the dog. A puppy would be more manageable so you can take the pet to the mall, to the pet supply store or to the neighbor’s. Use treats to encourage the dog not to shy away from unfamiliar faces, places and situations. The socialization efforts will be all worth it as the dog will grow into a well adjusted and well mannered pet.