Socialization

One of the most important things for you to do is to teach the puppy about life.  The first 4 months of a puppy's life are critical.  By the time it is 16 weeks and preferably by the time it's 13 weeks, your puppy needs to be exposed to all things that will constitute its life.  If it will be expected to travel, take it in the car.  If you will be getting another dog or your dog will be around other dogs, take him around strange dogs.   (In doing so be careful, because puppies can easily pick up diseases.   Restricting puppy's company to healthy, vaccinated, well-cared-for dogs will allow socialization with dogs while protecting the puppy's health).  Take puppy to the park and on walks and around cars and to the vets and etc..... 

What the puppy experiences now will define life to him.    Those kept in isolation or just in the yard or house will not be well-adjusted to the other aspects of life.  Socialization is absolutely critical especially with breeds that have aggressive tendencies.   Therefore, take puppy to people and bring people to puppy particularly children and the elderly.    Many veterinarian practices and dog training facilities offer puppy socialization classes.  These are an excellent idea.

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