5 Ways to Socialize Your Dog

We all hear about “socialization” and how important it is to socialize a new puppy or dog, but what does it mean and how do you do it? Why is it important?

Socializing your puppy or new dog is about introducing them to new things but it’s really more than that. When you introduce your puppy or new dog to things they’re not familiar with you want them to have a positive experience. Even if they’re encountering something that could be frightening you want them to learn that they can handle it and come away from the experience with more confidence.

Socialization helps to build a puppy or dog’s confidence in himself. When a puppy or dog has more confidence they can face all kinds of things later on without becoming anxious. Well-socialized dogs are less likely to suffer from separation anxiety or to be aggressive because they have the confidence to deal with being alone or with meeting other dogs and people without overreacting.

Whether you’re bringing home a puppy, an adolescent dog or an older dog, there are some very good ways to socialize them. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Take puppies to puppy pre-school or puppy kindergarten classes. These classes are a great way to let puppies interact with other puppies and their owners. Puppies get a small taste of simple training while at the same time getting lots of socialization. They learn that friendly strangers like to pet them and that there’s nothing to be afraid of when they go to new places. They also learn to play nicely with other puppies in the same age range. All of these things are important lessons for puppies.

2. Take adolescent dogs and older dogs to obedience training classes. Obedience training gives many dogs more confidence. When a dog is focusing on you and training he has less time to worry about his surroundings, other people or things that might frighten him. Going to classes where there are other dogs and people helps a dog get used to strange people and places. All of these things are good ways to help your dog with his socialization.

3. Take your puppy or dog places with you. If you’re going to the park, for a walk or just for a ride in the car, taking your puppy or dog out with you exposes him to new places and people. If your puppy or dog is shy about meeting people make sure you always have some treats with you so you can hand them to people who can pet your dog. When your dog allows petting the person can then give him a treat. All of these things help in the socialization process.

4. Take your dog to places where dogs are particularly welcomed. Places like pet supply stores often encourage people to bring their dogs. Some of these stores are very large so they may be a little scary to your dog at first but if you persevere (and have lots of treats) your dog should enjoy his trip. Let him look around and sniff things. Let him choose a toy. Let him see other dogs — but don’t approach them unless you are sure they are friendly and your dog seems interested in being friends. Again, make sure you have treats with you and encourage people to pet your dog. Pet stores can be great places for socializing your dog.

5. Make things fun. Your dog’s socialization depends mostly on you. Your attitude is very important when it comes to how your dog will react to people and situations. If you soothe your puppy and tell him “Poor boy!” when an umbrella scares him, he will always be scared of umbrellas because you’re giving him the feedback that umbrellas are really scary. If, instead, you laugh and joke and play with your puppy when something potentially frightening happens, like an umbrella opening unexpectedly, your puppy won’t think it’s a big deal. It’s all up to you whether or not your puppy or dog will develop the confidence he needs to be a happy, secure adult dog. Even rescue dogs who have gotten off to a bad start in life can be socialized and develop confidence through socialization if you make things fun for them and give them courage.