Socializing your dog: It is fun, it is bonding and it can prevent a world of trouble later on. You will never regret the time and effort you spent doing this for your canine friend, and it is most likely the most important thing you can do to prevent aggression problems later on.

The first and general socialization period is from 7 weeks to 16 weeks of age. Here are  some images of what what socialization can look like. In socialization you are teaching your dog to get used to things, people, animals and situations so that he/she will become non reactive to them. You want your dog to make positive associations with the new “things” that are being introduced. Take your canine friends with you to expose him/her to a variety of situations – without overwhelming her/him. Invite people over, let him/her get used to different types of visitors and teach him the way you would like them to behave towards visitors. Do this often, several times a day throughout puppyhood and adolescence.  Allow your dog to explore at his/her own pace. Introduce other (healthy and safe) dogs and let them play together. This is  your good canine citizen kind of socialization which ideally every dog should get who lives in the vicinity of other people and 4 legged creatures…and a good basis for all dogs.

There are special requirements if you are going to train a service dog or specialized working dog.

IMPORTANT: you must be in control of these new experiences to keep them safe and fun and positive,  building healthy confidence in your dog, as well as a trust based relationship between you and your dog. YOU must be in charge to keep your puppy safe.

For example – letting your dog loose in a dog park so he/she can “socialize” with other dogs may severely backfire if you don’t know exactly the other dogs it will meet.
Young dogs and puppies are forming “opinions” about their world and they need socialization with lots of other “good” dogs (or cats, or goats) so that they can generalize “all dogs are good”. Once the dog is mature and likes other dogs, this generalization has hopefully already formed and you don’t need to continue to socialize with unknown dogs.

Supervise your dog at all times when playing with children. Both properly taught and socialized, dogs and children get along great.

If you get an adolescent or adult dog from a shelter, you may not know the parents (inherited temperament/disposition) or prior experiences. Observe your dog carefully and start proper socialization as soon as possible. The optimal time period is prior to 5 months of age, but socialization is still possible and necessary, even though it will take more time. Proper socialization can  make the difference between life and death for a dog.

Boxer puppy being introduced to cows