SOCIALISING

A dog is a pack animal and loves company and socialising.  Dogs also need to learn what is safe and dangerous, sociable and unsociable, hence the need to set down boundaries with the owner as the leader of the pack.

Once your puppy has had all the necessary vaccinations and your vet says it can meet other dogs, your work really begins in earnest.  It will depend upon your puppy's nature as to how you socialise it.  Some puppies are very bold and will meet new experiences head on but others are shyer and will need gentle encouragement. You should never pick up your puppy when meeting other dogs as strange dogs are very inquisitive and might jump up at you as they have smelt the puppy and they only want to say hello.

If you do not have young children encourage people who do and like dogs to let their children make a fuss of the puppy remembering not to let the children push and pull them.  

An ideal way to socialise is to go to a puppy training class where your puppy will meet all different ages and sizes of dog and learn at the same time. 

The more people and places your puppy experiences, the more well-adjusted dog it will be as an adult.