If owners don't actively plan for dog socialization in their routines, they are simply missing a key component of dog training. Socialization starts with puppies interacting with their littermates and mothers and will continue throughout the life of the dog. From Mom and the rest of the litter puppies learn important social activities such as basic hygiene and bite inhibition as well as how to respond to other dogs. Breeders are the first step in good dog training and good breeders will handle the puppies, let them interact with a limited number of other people and even expose them to different sounds and activities to start the socialization process. Continuing on with this aspect of dog training is one of the major components of being a responsible dog owner. Providing opportunities for dog socialization is not really difficult, even if you aren't always out and about with your dog.
Socialization Around The Home
Dogs do need to be socialized outside of their own environment, but you can also do some socialization in your own home. If you have other pets such as other dogs, cats or even other domestic animals you can carefully and positively introduce your new dog or puppy to the animals, providing routine socialization. Be sure to do this slowly and with both animals under control, calm and not frightened or aggressive about the interaction. Socializing puppies with other animals is often much easier than working with mature dogs, but both will greatly benefit from this interaction.
