Training: Socialization

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Want a dog who's friendly and trustworthy around both people and other dogs? You might think all you need to do is find the right breed or dog, and your job is done. In reality, how you care for your dog plays a big role in how he responds to people and other canines -- especially if you've got a puppy.

There's a short period in a puppy's development, from very early puppyhood to three or four months of age, when his experiences have a big effect on his entire approach to life. If he has lots of positive encounters with other dogs, all kinds of humans, and new situations during that developmental window, he's far more likely to grow up to be a confident, relaxed, and friendly dog. Trainers call this process socialization.

Puppies who aren't socialized can grow up to be fearful of other dogs, people, and just about anyone and anything outside of their routine -- and that fear can lead to aggression. A study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found that unsocialized pups were 580 times more likely to wind up with aggression problems.

Although puppyhood is the prime time for socialization, it's not the only time. Even a dog who had a hopping social life in his youth can become less friendly over time if he's isolated during adulthood. And if your adult dog didn't get enough socialization growing up, you may be able to improve his social skills -- although an adult's personality is more fixed than a puppy's. You'll have to move slowly and cautiously, and if you see signs of aggression or extreme timidity, get help from a professional trainer or behaviorist right away.

How to raise a friendly dog