Proper socialization is necessary to turn a dog into a well adjusted pet that can get along well with people and other pets in any given situation. By socializing the pet an owner is assured to have an ideal and well behaved companion for life. Socialization is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner that will develop the dog into a happy and well adjusted member of the household. A first time dog owner may have heard about the necessity to socialize the pet, of the benefits of socialization but how is a dog socialized.

In spite of the fact that dogs are acclaimed to be social creatures, some individuals would not interact well with people and with other animals as dogs too have different personalities. A shy or nervous dog would show fear or aggression if confronted by unfamiliar faces or new situations. A dominant dog would always want to control not only other animals but humans as well. Taking a dog for a pet entails more that giving the dog its basic needs. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure that the pet is properly socialized so that it will grow into a well adjusted pet that can adapt to any situation and can interact with people and animals.

Socializing the pet is best started when the dog is about 8 to 16 weeks old. But this does not mean that older dogs cannot be socialized. To desensitize an older dog though, a pet parent has to be more patient and persistent. Socializing puppies would be easier as apart from having a curious nature; puppies have not yet formed hard to break habits.

As soon as the puppy receives a clearance from the vet socialization must be started. Grooming will get the dog accustomed to being touched. By grooming the dog it will get used to being handled so that it will not be aggressive if petted by unfamiliar people.

Let the pet mingle with other dogs by taking the dog to the local dog park or enrolling the pet to an obedience class. It is necessary to give the pet a chance to meet as many people as possible and to be exposed to varied situations. A puppy would be more manageable so you can take the pet to the mall, to the pet supply store or to the neighbor’s. Use treats to encourage the dog not to shy away from unfamiliar faces, places and situations. The socialization efforts will be all worth it as the dog will grow into a well adjusted and well mannered pet.