A Happy Puppy Through Early Socialization

A happy puppy grows up to be a happy dog, and that means a happy leader.

Here is a picture of "Chance" an American pit bull mix, at 8 weeks, experiencing his back yard. A very happy puppy indeed.

When puppy training, you will see that puppies are very curious. They try to get into everything. They try to go under, over, around, and sometimes in between. They simply let their noses lead the way, checking out whatever needs to be checked out.

Your puppy is actually getting to know her surroundings. All the while learning the differences between her soft pet bed, her chew toy, her crate, her training pad, and her feeding area that you prepared for her.

Why We Need to Expose Our Puppies to Different Experiences

You need to expose your puppy to different experiences during the prime period of 10 - 16 weeks of age, when she is in the learning and being curious stage.

She is not going to learn everything on her own, she does need your guidance. This is called early socialization.

Socialization makes puppies more friendly and outgoing, and easier to train. As they start growing and maturing, all the positive experiences, and right training methods, will leave a lasting impression. This will make for a well rounded and happier dog.

A puppy that is not introduced to different people or things, will end up to go through life with some sort of behavioral problem or problems.

Can you imagine how you would be if you were locked up in a house, not being able to do anything, see anyone, or go anywhere else?

Your puppy's mind and all her senses, needs to be activated, she needs to learn. She wants to be a happy puppy, and so do you, so this is a good time to form a bond between you and your "four legged wonder".

A lasting impression shouldn't be one of fear.

All experiences should be positive, for example, when introducing the puppy to a child, let the children know that they have to be polite, gentle and extra careful not to hurt the dog.

Make sure that your puppy is in a state where she will not hurt the child. You must know your puppy's "dogonality". Practice safety at all times. We wouldn't want the child to be afraid of dogs or vice versa.

When introducing the puppy to another dog, make sure the dog is well behaved and friendly. Giving your happy puppy a few treats while exposing her to different experiences will help her relax, and she will know that the experience is a good thing, and have nothing to be afraid of.

More to Life Different Experiences

• Take her outside, on a leash, let her experience the different textures of grass, sand, a water puddle, or the sidewalk.
• When the trash collector comes in his noisy truck, take her outside and show her what all the noise is about.
• Take her downtown, or to the mall (if they allow pets), have a seat somewhere, watch all the people go by, listen to all the traffic with cars, buses, motorcycles, and maybe a horn blowing.
• Invite some friends over, have them take turns holding her, so puppy can experience their different scents and voices.
• Take her to a pet store, ask them first if It would be okay for you and your puppy to look at all the different animals. You should carry her at all times when in the store.
• If there is an animal shelter nearby, sometimes they have an area where puppies are playing, see if you can join in on the fun.
• Take her to your friend's house or mom and dads. The more people that she comes into contact with the better.

A healthy puppy is a happy puppy. When outside be aware of other dogs poop. When around other puppies or dogs make sure they are healthy and current with all their vaccinations. Call your vet, tell him what you intend to do, and ask him more questions on this matter.

Have fun, be safe, and be positive.

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