A top dog trainer might cite your dog’s ancestral behavior when he explains the need for puppy socialization. Dog obedience training cannot be ultimately successful unless your puppy is exposed to many different situations, because her nature has taught her to be fearful of the unknown. This is one of the reasons that wolves live in packs.

Dogs are predators, but that doesn’t mean that they’re at the top of the food chain, or that they don’t fear injury or death. Because of this, your dog’s instinct, unless proven otherwise, will be to remain suspicious of strange situations. It’s a matter of survival, really. This fear has contributed to the longevity of the species.

This instinct has carried over to modern times, in our dogs’ fears of strangers and unfamiliar venues. Often, because dogs aren’t comfortable in those unfamiliar situations, their fears can manifest as aggression.

Socialization is crucial, not only for your dog’s peace of mind, but for the safety of neighbors, other animals, children, yourself, and your dog.

Starting at the age of eight weeks, and through her sixteenth week, your puppy is the most impressionable. A conscientious dog owner will grasp this brief chance to introduce the world to his or her puppy, to prove that the world is an exciting place, worthy of confident exploration.

When you picture your life with your grown dog, do you anticipate enjoying the wide world with him? Then, by all means, get out there with your puppy and introduce him to that wide world:

It’s never difficult to find children who are willing to mingle with your puppy. Encourage this, so that your puppy can become accustomed to the quick hands and feet of children.

Take your puppy for rides in the car.

Stroll through nature, so your puppy can experience the sights and sounds of chipmunks, birds, etc.

Take pup to the dog park or to dog obedience training schools, where she can interact with other dogs.

Walk in a town or city, so he can develop a tolerance for car horns, motorcycles, trucks, bikes, other dogs, and crowds of people.

Stop in at the groomer’s, the kennel, the vet clinic, and the pet shop for visits. Allow your puppy the opportunity to introduce herself to the staff at each venue.

Find those places, like banks, home improvement stores, and pet retailers that welcome pets, and patronize them with your puppy in tow. Take advantage of the dog treats that are offered to shape your puppy’s positive view of these places.

Use clicker training to reward her most confident behavior, despite sharp noises, quick children, and unfamiliar dogs.

If a loud noise startles her, or if a stranger’s hand causes her to back away, do not comfort and pet her. She will view this as reinforcement for her fear. Instead, ignore her behavior and reward her when she’s displaying confidence in the face of a scary situation.

Don’t force a puppy to take part in a scenario that is causing fear. Instead, talk to the stranger, or stand tall in the face of a noisy motor, and she will take a cue from you. When she finally does relax and join in, click and offer a reward.

Often, dog owners aren’t able to find the time or the physical energy to get their puppies out into the world. In these cases, it’s important that these dog owners invite visitors to their homes to meet their puppies, and that they hire a dog walker or top dog trainer to escort the puppy on jaunts around the great wide world. If these measures aren’t taken, the puppy will grow to be a reclusive dog who is fearful of visitors, vet visits, etc.

Every time you take your puppy for a ride, or a walk, or meander through a crowd of people with her, she’s gaining the confidence that’s necessary to be a calm, friendly adult dog.

You know how it feels to walk into a party full of people you don’t know. It can be disconcerting, and can cause anxiety. Your dog experiences these same feelings in unfamiliar situations, so make it your mission to introduce your puppy to the world, early on. Your dog obedience training success, and your dog human relationship, will thank you.

Learn more about puppy training. Stop by the Fast and Easy Dog Training site where you can find out all about dog training and what it can do for you and your dog.