Gail Fisher, All Dogs Gym & Inn - The perfect place for pets and their people

Early Socialization - from 8-16 weeks of age - is the time when most puppies are adopted. Early socialization is important because socialized dogs have better coping skills. A broad range of positive experiences will help your puppy grow up to be a well-rounded, stable dog. Lack of socialization can lead to a dog that is afraid of people, new experiences and new places.

How is a puppy socialized? By going to new places, meeting different people and experiencing new things. This early exposure helps a dog take new things in stride throughout his life.

Here's a common example of why socialization is important: A young couple adopts a puppy. A few years later they have a baby. If, as a puppy, their dog was socialized to babies (even just one), he will adjust better to his new "sibling" than if he had not had that experience.

Socialization is easy and it's fun. Take your puppy visiting; to the city; to the country; invite people of all ages to talk to and stroke him. That part's easy. Puppies are "people magnets." Just take care that he doesn't get overly tired or frightened, and that he isn't inadvertently hurt by a well-meaning child or an unknown dog.

This is the ideal time to start your puppy's clicker training, teaching him the "rules" of your home, as well as starting in a positive, puppy class. A good puppy class offers the perfect prescription for socialization - a new place, friendly people, other puppies, and learning new things.