Socializing Your Puppy
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by Diane - Online Dog Coach
If you’re thinking of getting a puppy there a few important things that help your puppy be a good family member. A puppy that has been secluded and not exposed to other environments could end up being scared and timid. You want your new puppy to accept people, other dogs and new situations. 
One way you can do this is to join a group puppy class. Puppy classes are a combination of training and social play time.
If you don’t have access to a class you can take your puppy to places that allow dogs. Some communities have dog parks where dogs are allowed off leash to romp with each other. If your puppy is younger than six months you might want to reconsider being in the company of older dogs as a safety precaution. Some older dogs do not want a rambunctious puppy jumping on them, or being in their space. Some older dogs have no hesitation in biting or attacking a puppy. Make sure you ask the dog’s owner if it’s safe to approach.
Socialize your new puppy at other places that allow them to enter. Stores that allow dogs are Home Depot (some do not), Lowes, PetSmart, PetCo, pet supply stores, and strip shopping centers on the sidewalks. Ask people to give your dog a treat and pet him. When friends and family come to your house, ask them to do the same.
Puppies have just left their litter mates where their social skills got started. They need to develop those skills to help them co-exist in the world with dogs and people. When you take them home, they don’t have other buddies to learn their boundaries when it comes to being with other dogs. Get them out as much as you can. You will want a friendly, confident dog.
About the Author
Diane has professionally trained dogs in obedience, agility, and freestyle dog dancing for more than 20 years in Florida and Colorado. Her dogs have competed and have earned titles in AKC and NADAC agility, Obedience, and Flyball.