Gail Fisher, All Dogs Gym & Inn - The perfect place for pets and their people

All puppies go through critical stages - important times when the environment profoundly influences later behavior. There are several critical stages in your dog's psychological development, and some excellent books on the subject. Here's information that will help you handle your puppy properly.

Early socialization is critical to a dog's healthy psychological growth. Think it's too late? your dog's already grown? Read on anyway. You'll get some insights into your adult dog's behavior:

From 8-16 weeks of age is the time when most puppies are adopted. Early socialization during this period is important because socialized dogs have better coping skills. A broad range of positive experiences will help your puppy grow up to be a well-rounded, stable dog. Lack of socialization can lead to a dog that is afraid of people, new experiences and new places.

How is a puppy socialized? By going to new places, meeting different people and experiencing new things. This early exposure helps a dog take new things in stride throughout his life.

Here's a common example of why socialization is important: A young couple adopts a puppy. A few years later they have a baby. If, as a puppy, their dog was socialized to babies (even just one), he will adjust better to his new "sibling" than if he had not had that experience.

Socialization is easy and it's fun. Take your puppy visiting; to the city; to the country; invite people of all ages to talk to and stroke him. That part's easy. Puppies are "people magnets." Just take care that he doesn't get overly tired or frightened, and that he isn't inadvertently hurt by a well-meaning child or an unknown dog.

This is the ideal time to start your puppy's Basic Training, teaching him the "rules" of your home, as well as starting in a positive, Puppy Pre-School or puppy class. A good puppy class offers the perfect prescription for socialization - a new place, friendly people, other puppies, and learning new things.