Socialization

Two dogs meet. Image for Socialization tag page.
Socialization helps keep your dog safe by helping him become confident in a variety of situations.

Puppy socialization helps dogs learn how to respond to problems and challenges. Expose your pup to new people and situations.

Start early: Carefully expose your puppy to new experiences as part of socialization.

Create well-trained dogs: Help your dog learn appropriate behavior.

Socialize first: Puppies develop their personalities in the first 16 weeks. Expose them to new people, experiences, other dogs and car rides.

Make training fun: Add training to feeding time, playtime and exercise time every day.

Prevent canine depression: Let your dog play with other pups. Take advantage of dog parks, dog clubs, and doggie daycares.

3 tips for first-time puppy owners: Bond with your puppy before introducing him to other people.

Dogs make people more social: Dogs serve as icebreakers and conversation starters. They also make people feel calmer and assured.