When you bring a new dog home, you will need to take steps to socialize him. It is an ongoing effort over your dog's life and is a critical component of his development. A dog that hasn't been exposed to others (whether people or other dogs) poses a risk. Dogs can become uncomfortable or agitated quickly. Factors such as loud noises, other dogs, and even people wearing hats can cause your dog to become alarmed. In that state, they're unpredictable.

Eventually, you will want to take your dog with you to the park, beach, friend's house, or any place where others might be. Below, we will give you 3 quick tips for encouraging your dog to mingle well with others.

Tip #1: Obedience Class

Whether you are trying to socialize a puppy or a fully-grown adult dog, enroll him into an obedience class. He will be exposed to other people and dogs in a controlled environment. Plus, your dog will learn that others do not necessarily pose a threat to you. As a result, he will learn to remain relaxed in the presence of those who are unfamiliar to him. The earlier you do this, the better.

Tip #2: Inviting Friends Over

Invite 1 or 2 friends over to your house. This is an opportunity to socialize your dog in an uncontrolled environment (that is, without an obedience instructor). Over time, have other friends stop by. Ask them to do so in pairs, if possible, so your dog doesn't feel overwhelmed. By doing this, you continue the education process whereby your dog learns that people who are unfamiliar to him are typically non-threatening.

Tip #3: Training On The Go

Grab your dog's leash and take him for a walk. If possible, start in a sparsely populated area. A few people walking their dogs as cars race by can provide your dog with the loud stimuli he needs to grow accustomed to the noise and activity. As your dog grows more comfortable, take him for walks in more densely populated areas with more traffic. Doing this will desensitize his natural instinct to become alarmed.

Lifetime Socialization

By using the tips above, you can gradually transform your dog into a sociable pet that is friendly with others. If your dog resists the efforts by barking, sniffing, or jumping on people, try to react subtly and refocus his attention on you. Try to encourage him to focus on something other than that which prompted the undesirable behavior. Also, it is important that you reward your dog generously for good behavior. Over time, your dog will become the companion that you can take anywhere you go.