Overview

The most important work you can do with your dog is temperament training, or teaching your dog to be relaxed and comfortable around people and other animals. Since the most critical window for socializing your dog began to close when she was just 12 weeks old, you most likely have some catch up work to do.

If your dog hasn't been exposed to a wide variety of sights and sounds as a youngster she may already be wary, or ill at ease in unfamiliar situations. So proceed slowly: use extra caution, look for signs of stress, like panting, or stiffened muscles, and try to work within her comfort level as much as possible.

Steps to raising a friendly dog

1) Get your dog used to being handled all over.

• If she's not too big, settle your dog in your lap, cradling her comfortably and securely on her back like a baby. If she's too large for your lap, sit next to her on the floor and coax her to lie down on her side. Then gently touch and rub her head, tail, paws, tummy, and the area around her collar. If she seems sensitive about any of these spots, feed her a bit of kibble or a tasty treat at the same time.

2) Broaden your dog's world.

• Introduce her to at least four unfamiliar people every day--the mailman, friends, and even strangers you see on the streets. Ask them to touch her and rub her, and ask friends to hand feed her.
• Take your dog with you on errands.
• Throw at least one party to introduce her to your family and friends. This is an excellent way to do lots of people-socializing at once. Or if she's shy, throw many smaller parties.

Extra credit: For the ultimate handling exercise, dress your dog in socks or a cute outfit. Once she learns to put up with this she'll be able to tolerate anything.

DogTime tip: Be sure your dog meets men, women, and children of all shapes, sizes, and colors during this period. Dogs who aren't introduced to different kinds of people can become suspicious--particularly of men and children--as they grow older.

Veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar and his wife, dog trainer Kelly Dunbar, collaborate on DogStarDaily.com, OpenPaw.org, and DogTime, where they serve as contributing editors. They are dedicated to strengthening the bond between people and their dogs through training in order to keep dogs in their original homes and out of shelters.

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