Puppyhood is the most important and critical time for your puppy's development.
What you do and not do right now will affect your puppy's behavior forever.

A properly socialized puppy grows to a well behaved, good companion dog. It is not frightened or aggressive towards anyone or anything.
An un-socialized puppy will be untrustworthy and an unwanted liability. They often become fear-biters and like to fight with other dogs. They are difficult to train and are generally unpleasant to be around. Unsocialized dogs cannot adapt to new situations and a simple routine visit to the vet is a nightmare not only for the dog itself, but also for everyone involved.

Don't let this happen to your puppy. Start socializing your new puppy NOW! Socialization most easily occurs before the puppy is 3 months old. Any later than that and it becomes a difficult and time-consuming process that very few dog owners have the time, energy, or money to cope with.

Make sure that each of the following events are pleasant and non-threatening. If your puppy's first experience with something is painful and frightening, you will be creating a phobia that will often last a lifetime.

Socialize your puppy:

• Invite friends, healthy, vaccinated dogs, and even cats to your home to meet and play with your new puppy. Take your puppy to the homes of your friends.
• Carry your puppy to shopping centers, parks, school playgrounds, etc; places where there are crowds of people and plenty of activity.
• Take your puppy for short, frequent rides in the car. NOT ONLY TO THE VET!
• Introduce your puppy to umbrellas, boxes, the vacuum cleaner, etc. Encourage your puppy to explore and investigate his environment.
• Accustom your puppy to brushing, bathing, nail clipping, teeth and ears cleaning and all the routines of dog grooming and physical examination.
• Introduce anything, also the dog name, the dog collar and leash, and everything you want your puppy to be comfortable around with.