The Importance of Early Socialization.

Meet Zeus!

This cuddly black, floppy eared and very bright Belgian Shepherd puppy was enjoying an afternoon nap under an end table when we arrived.

Zeus's owners had previous experience with Belgian Shepherds and had welcomed this little guy into their home just two weeks prior to our visit. They were very familiar with acclimating a new puppy to their home and had a good handle on house training. Zeus was very comfortable being in his crate when he needed to be, and he was comfortable with leash walking too. Everything seemed to be on the right track for Zeus but his family was taken by surprise when Zeus had a tentative interaction with the neighbors puppy.

Socialization is incredibly important -- especially before the age of six months. This is the ideal time to introduce your pup to the world around him to ensure that he's comfortable and confident as an adult dog. When meeting other dogs, use your discretion. Allow the dogs to figure out things on their own. When meeting other dogs on leash remember to move with the dogs to allow the leash to be slack. We like to call this Leash Tango. The lack of tension on the leashes, allows the dogs the sniff and play without creating a source of tension that may interfere with the socialization process.

To learn more about Leash Tango and other Socialization techniques visit Zen Dog Training Online.