Dog socialization - start early!

I believe a dog can not be TOO friendly. Anything a dog does out of joyfulness can be tempered and controlled. Happy "mistakes" can be quickly forgiven and, ultimately, forgotten. The same can not be said about fearful, possessive, or aggressive dogs. Anti-social problems are often very difficult to remedy and "mistakes" often leave lifelong scars.

Early socialization is a crucial part of puppyhood. Once fully vaccinated, you should get your pup out and about. Allow everyone to greet your pup and allow your pup to meet anyone. Put the pooch in a SIT to be petted and cooed over. Bring along tasty treats (or even a pocket full of its mealtime kibble) and encourage passers-by to give the pup a morsel or two. Ask your mail delivery person to give your pup a treat every now and then. Likewise, the kid who delivers the newspaper and the service station worker. If your pup grows up thinking everybody is a potential treat giver, you've avoided many possible fear or aggressive behaviors.

Bring your pooch to strange and different places. Take your best friend to parks, beaches, playgrounds. Let your pup learn there is nothing to fear about the unknown. The more things you show your puppy now, the less something new will spook it later.

Enroll your puppy in a local group puppy class that has puppy playtime built into the curriculum. I love watching these playtimes and I really love that they teach the pups wonderful social skills.

If your pup does show any signs of fear, simply help it go into a SIT. While it's sitting, gently pet and soothe the pup. Once it calms down a bit, continue on your journey.

Throw out any hopes of having a dog to just to protect your home. Many times, the mere presence of a dog (any dog) will cause a would-be intruder to try the dog-less home next door. If not, isn't that what insurance is for? Speaking of insurance, many companies are quickly dropping policy holders upon finding they have dangerous dogs.

With a proper mix of friendly exuberance and obedience, you can have a wonderful pet that is a true pleasure for you to own.

Courtesy of ThePoop.com's Experts area.