Socializing is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Take care of bad behavior before it starts.

Bad behavior can become a habit

Not correcting bad behavior, can turn the unwanted behavior into a daily routine.

Be quick to correct things like fear, aggression towards strangers, and/or other dogs.

Don’t put off fixing behavior that could end in trouble for both you and the dog.

Not only can aggressive behavior worsen over time, exhibiting this type of behavior, can trigger other dogs into reacting in defense.

Start socializing at a young age.

Socializing during the puppy stages helps get them adjusted to different sights, sounds, smells, as well as objects, people, and other animals that they may encounter in their life.

Taking them around people and dogs in a safe setting allows a puppy to acclimate to new stimuli and grow up into a well-adjusted dog.

Take them on regular walks.  Run errands on cool days to dog friendly places.

There are many places that support socializing.

Having areas where you can relax and enjoy time with your dog, or meet up with other dogs is great for socializing.

Join dog meetup groups, or group training classes.

Why is socializing important?

We live in a very busy world, with busy streets.  Hurried cars and trucks honking in every direction, as well as people.
A dog may encounter a jogger, cyclist, or child.  This can put a dog or others at risk.

For example:  Children love animals, and are very trusting which can put them in danger when approaching a fearful dog.

A child may approach your dog and want to pet them, sometimes without asking permission.

A relaxed, well-adjusted dog will know how to behave in these type of environments.

Adult dogs that need socializing may require training.

Never jump into socializing after acquiring an older dog.  But don’t be discouraged either when it comes to an adult dog.

An adult dog that hasn’t been socialized and shows any type of aggression or fear towards people, pets, noise, etc. may first need training before going anywhere in public.

Look for guidance from a trainer before taking a dog that hasn’t been socialized out in public.

It’s always recommended to know your dog’s temperament before taking them anywhere.

Learn more about training and socializing @ Fidomingle Training Tips

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