A reputable dog obedience training program, created by a top dog trainer, not only uses gentle and humane dog training tips, but it stresses the importance of puppy socialization. Wolves live in family units, for hunting success and safety. Your dog, a descendent of the wolf, seeks that same sense of safety and familiarity.

Your dog’s nature marks him as a predator, but he has rarely had the opportunity to rest comfortably at the top of the food chain. Historically, he’s had to fear strange creatures and unknown situations, for his own survival and the survival of his species.

In many cases, fear of strange situations can morph into bigger problems: like life altering, fearful aggression. Many dogs who growl, bark, and bite do so because they are fearful, and deem strange places, people, and situations worthy of defense.

For these reasons, not excluding the safety of your family, neighbors, other dogs, and your own dog, it’s important to start socializing your puppy as early as possible.

Starting at the age of eight weeks, and through her sixteenth week, your puppy is the most impressionable. A conscientious dog owner will grasp this brief chance to introduce the world to his or her puppy, to prove that the world is an exciting place, worthy of confident exploration.

Think about the things that you anticipate doing with your adult dog, and expose your puppy to those experiences. Here are some ideas for socializing your puppy:

It’s never difficult to find children who are willing to mingle with your puppy. Encourage this, so that your puppy can become accustomed to the quick hands and feet of children.

Take your puppy for rides in the car.

Stroll through nature, so your puppy can experience the sights and sounds of chipmunks, birds, etc.

Frequent the dog park or dog obedience training schools, where social opportunities with other dogs abound.

Walk in a town or city, so he can develop a tolerance for car horns, motorcycles, trucks, bikes, other dogs, and crowds of people.

Visit the vet, the groomer, the pet retailer, and the kennel so that your puppy can familiarize herself with the smells, sounds, and sights of these places.

Find those places, like banks, home improvement stores, and pet retailers that welcome pets, and patronize them with your puppy in tow. Take advantage of the dog treats that are offered to shape your puppy’s positive view of these places.

You’ll already be embroiled in training puppy, so if she remains calm despite a loud noise, or sits nicely to be petted by a child, use the clicker, a treat, and targeted words to reinforce that desirable behavior.

If your puppy is frightened by a noise or a strange dog or human, ignore her fear. If you reassure her, she’ll mistake that reassurance for reward of her fearful behavior. Disregard this behavior, and save the rewards for the time when she sheds the fearful display.

If your puppy shows fear of a stranger, or another dog, never push him into that situation. Allow him to stay back, while you display your own confidence. Soon, he will take a cue from you, and will approach. When he does so, calmly and fearlessly, you can click and reward.

If you aren’t physically able to socialize your puppy, invite people with children and pets to your home, or hire a dog walker or a dog trainer to take your puppy out on the town. A dog who grows up isolated from the world might not welcome a postman or a delivery person with open paws.

Every time you take your puppy for a ride, or a walk, or meander through a crowd of people with her, she’s gaining the confidence that’s necessary to be a calm, friendly adult dog.

If you’ve ever walked into a room full of strangers, you know how unnerving it can be. This mirrors your dog’s emotions. But you can change that, with puppy socialization. Dog obedience training victory, and a first class dog human relationship, rely on it.

Want to find out more about puppy training, then visit the Fast and Easy Dog Training site on how to choose the best dog trainingmethod for your needs.

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