Socialization of Dogs Is an Important Part of Preventing Dog Bites
As a New Jersey dog bite attorney, I often see that dog bites involve animals who are simply fearful of new situations and new people. It is the reason why I recommend that dog owners take time to socialize their puppies, or for that matter, dogs of any age. A well socialized dog is comfortable around people and other dogs, and is less likely to pounce or attack out of fear.
Dog safety experts advise that you begin the process of socializing your puppy when it is about six weeks of age. However, older dogs can be socialized too. There are several benefits to socializing your dogs. Dogs that are well socialized, are less likely to develop behavioral problems. In the absence of socialization, dogs can become fearful and anxious when they are suddenly exposed to new people.
A young puppy is easier to socialize than older dogs simply because younger pups learn new things quicker. However, that doesn't mean that you cannot socialize older dogs at all. Basically, socialization involves exposing your dog to a variety of people and environments. That means that you take your pet to a number of different places where there are people around. The point is to expose the dog to a wide variety of people, so don't take your dog to the same kind of place every day. However, it's important that you talk to your veterinarian about taking your puppy out.
It's also a good idea to get your puppy used to a lot of the different ways that people may handle him as he gets older. For instance, he will be handled differently while at the vet’s office, and he needs to be trained for it. He may be petted while he's around children, and he must be comfortable with that too. As a New Jersey dog bite lawyer, I know that none of this is an easy process, but it is part of good dog ownership, and comes with the responsibility of having a pet dog.
