Socializing

Socializing your dog or puppy is very important!  It helps your puppy become comfortable with new, exciting, or potentially scary things, people, places, or noises.  An adult dog also benefits from socializing by gaining confidence and becoming more comfortable around different situations.

While it's best to start by properly socializing a dog during it's puppy stages, all ages, breeds, and sizes benefit.  The key to socializing it for the puppy or dog to enjoy these new experiences.
Let's visualize for a minute...

1. Image going to a new theme park, everyone's friendly, the lines are short, you get free soft drinks, and have a great time with family/friends.  
2. Now image going to a new theme park, there's trash everywhere, the lines are long and crowded, none of the staff are helpful, and your the group you went with is in a grumpy mood.  

I bet everyone had a better time at park #1!  The same is true with your dog, puppies are particularly sensitive due to their socialization (almost the first year but critically 8-16 weeks) and fear periods (8-12/16 weeks and some again around 6 months).  

Image all you ever see is your family, house, and backyard for the first 4 months of life.  Then one day you go into a box on wheels (the car) and all of a sudden nothing smells, looks, or sounds familiar.  Loud kids every where, noisy skate boards rushing past, your family is ignoring you and dozens of strange people with weird haircuts, perfumes, and hats are sticking their hands all over your face.  You're scared and have no idea how to feel!  This can be how your puppy or dog experiences their first outing.  Or the only time they go in the car is to the vet for shots and bloodwork.  Would you want to go to the park?  Or even get in the car?  

Proper socialization includes ensuring that your dog is comfortable and has an enjoyable time out learning to handle new situations.  Having your new puppy or dog of several years sit while kids and new people give them a special treat.  Encourage your puppy/dog to investigate and explore while staying safe.  Socializing with proper rewards, encouragement, and good manners is key for a well balanced dog.

Here's a challenge for you on socializing your puppy or dog.  This list will provide you with fresh ideas on things, people, places, and situations to introduce and experience.  Some are a little challenging.

Dog/Puppy Socialization Contest

Comment any additional ideas you have or challenges that you & your dog have experienced together!
Have fun and be safe!