Dogs need us to take time to let them explore the world. They need to be allowed to investigate things. Socialization is often misunderstood when it comes to dogs. Socialization is not just putting your puppy or dog around other dogs. Socialization should always be kept positive and fun for the dog. We need to know enough about how our dog communicates to know if it is stressed, nervous, scared, etc. Our goal is to raise a dog that is well adjusted to its surroundings. We need to make use of all the senses our puppy or dog has including, sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. When socializing, it is important to make sure your puppy or dog is exposed to as many sizes, shapes, colors, ages, textures, etc. in a positive way as possible without increasing stress levels.
When socializing a puppy it is ideal to find dogs who act like you hope your puppy will act when it is grown and expose your puppy to those dogs as opposed to the ones whose behavior you don’t like. Puppies need role models, expose them to calm and happy adult dogs. Socializing a puppy with other puppies is great for teaching bite inhibition which all dogs need to learn about.
When socializing dogs, especially those who were not properly socialized as puppies you need to be patient.
Although there are optimal times for socialization, dogs spend their whole lives learning. Stay positive and be patient.
