Everybody loves being around a puppy.
Why Charles Schultz tied our very well-being into them with the phrase "Happiness is a warm puppy .
" So why does "poor socialization" account for so many bad behaviors in our grown up dogs ? Perhaps we're just not sure what "socializing" a puppy means.
In order for our pups to blossom into confident good-natured well-trained dogs it's crucial they have many positive experiences in a variety of environments with a variety of people.
Veterinarian and psychologist Ian Dunbar suggests that a puppy should meet 100 new people by the time she is twelve weeks of age.
Just walk a new puppy down the block and people are drawn like moths to a flame.
But meeting new people is only half of it.
As a responsible dog owner it is imperative that every meeting and experience is a positive one for your new best friend.
Supervise all interactions especially with children and other pets.
Carry with you small puppy treats for children and adults to hand to your puppy so that she understands right away that people = good stuff.
Let your pup encounter people of different sizes races and ages.
Introduce them to people with hats strollers or canes.
Be aware however that if your puppy is ever tentative about approaching someone or somebody walks up and your pup looks uncomfortable don't force the meeting.
Have the person stop drop a treat and make no direct eye contact.
Allow the puppy to approach them on her own terms.
Negative experiences now could have lasting effects down the road.
Puppies are naturally curious so let them get out and explore this big new world but remember it's our job as human companions to keep them safe in it.
After all their very happiness may depend on it.