any tips for socializing puppy to new people?

[Shep21]

How do you introduce a new puppy to people (in home, outside of home) to ensure a better dog later on?

would love to hear your answers!

[Yellowjacket]

I take them out to the pet stores. Just ask some there to approach your dog and have them pet them. If your dog starts to jump just walk in the outher direction.

[Shavy]

Originally Posted by Yellowjacket

I take them out to the pet stores. Just ask some there to approach your dog and have them pet them. If your dog starts to jump just walk in the outher direction.

You're not concerned about subjecting a puppy's immune system to whatever has been dragged in by countless other dogs?

[Desmo]

I've only had my 3 month old for 4 days but I'm concerned about socialization. So far she's been in the car with us a bunch. She's made lots of progress there alone. I also took her to my fiance's house where there is another dog but we know he's UTD on all shots. I personally wouldn't bring her around dogs that I don't know that stuff about just yet.

I had her at the pet store to get an ID tag but luckily there were only two dogs there, neither of which noticed her. People sure looked at her a bunch but no one wanted to come and pet her. She looked pretty freaked out with all the sights/sounds/smells.

I plan to just keep taking her to some places and exposing her to sights/sounds and less with people and dogs at least until that's maybe safer for her.

[doggiedad]

i was out and about with my pup after
his 2nd roud of shots. whenever someone
us i slid my left hand down the leash to
prevent any jumping. i made sure i had plenty
of visitors daily (family, friends and neighbors).
the mail carrier petted my daily or often
as possible. i use to stand near the Supermarket
front doors. there's lots of people coming and
going that want to pet a pup. the 24 hour store was another
good place because of the hours. the playground was
good because of the children. don't forget the mall.
we also visited the Vet 2 to 3 times a week for
pets, treats and mock exams.

[Gracie's My Girl]

I think you'll find that there is no shortage of people who will be thrilled to help you socialize your puppy! I never had to ask anyone...everyone was always more than happy to give her some love. I once had a guy at a football game cross the entire crowded field just to say hello for a second.

Whenever my puppy was introduced to someone, I always encouraged her positively and talked to her. I would even throw in a couple of treats once we were finished. If she ever barked at some, I learned to ignore it and move on. I continued to keep things positive by talking to her and regaining her focus.

She has turned out to be extremely friendly. It is funny but she will frequently take breaks from training class to visit with all the bystanders. Seriously! So much for an aloof dog!

I had her for a month before I begin to socialize her in public. She was twelve weeks. My goal was to find public areas...that were not frequented by dogs. The public library was amazing. I was able to relax on a bench with a book while people would stop by on their way in to meet her.

[Shep21]

I was introduced to a fairly large Shepherd recently, and although the owner assured me he was friendly, the dog barked at me, and was hesitant to come really close to me. In hindsight, I can see he probably was friendly, but not knowing the dog, I was intimidated by its size (and bark) and it being a little reserved.
The dog was so strong that when it pulled, it pulled the owner off-balance, and made me feel he wasn't totally in control of the dog.

I wondered how I would have done it differently.? I want to have a dog that people are not afraid of (and one that I am not afraid of doing anything bad) but feel comfortable enough to walk up and pet.

[GSDBESTK9]

I would never take a puppy to a Pet Store or high traffic dog areas till the puppy is much older and has had all his/her shots.

We normally put the puppy in a cart and take them around Lowes or Home Depot. People love to come and pet the puppy.

[cliffson1]

Take your puppy with you and let him/her meet people.

[Angelina03]

We took Rocco everywhere from day one, even the dog park (until the vet told us to wait for him to have all his shots). He's been to the stores, families' homes, friends' homes, parks. He's been seeing and meeting people and dogs (families' and friends' dogs) since we got him. Now that he has all his puppy shots, he goes to the dog park weekly (sometimes more than once). He loves people and other dogs. The beach/boat is our next target...

Get him out there. If he doesn't have all his vaccines yet, get with dogs that you know are healthy and vaccinated.