Having a well-behaved dog is important to most of us who share our homes and our lives with a canine companion. As obedience classes, puppy play times, dog day cares, dog parks, and other dog-oriented activities (on- and off-leash) become more prevalent and popular, the idea of a well-socialized dog has gained in popularity as well. Dogs are social animals by nature and truly enjoy the company of other dogs and people – if care is taken to socialize them properly.

Socialization is important for many reasons including dog-bite prevention. Not only is a well-socialized dog less anxious in every-day and new situations, he is less likely to bite out of fear or aggression. Many people don't understand that more dog bites occur due to fear than true aggression. Even a dog that has been very well socialized can still be provoked to bite if it is uncertain of its surroundings or the current situation. Dogs that get along well with other dogs at the off-leash dog park can snap viciously if a dog approaches him when he is on-leash. A dog that is afraid of nothing (even the vet!) can be completely thrown off kilter by helium-filled balloons in his living room, fireworks on the Fourth of July, or the sight of a man dressed as Santa Claus. Every new situation is cause for a dog to make a decision: fight or flight. Of course, the better socialized your dog is, the less likely he will be to make either of those decisions and the more likely he will be to explore a third option: curious exploration followed by cautious acceptance. If all goes well, the second encounter with the new person, thing, place, or situation will go even more smoothly than the first and will hopefully lead to your dog not just accepting the situation, but enjoying it!

Living with a dog that you can trust with strangers, children, other dogs, cats, and maybe even the mailman is very rewarding. Do remember, however, that just because your dog is well socialized, well trained, and trustworthy doesn't mean that all strangers, children, other dogs, etc. are. Take care to monitor your dog's interactions with others at all times to ensure that a bad experience or two doesn't lay to waste all of the hard work you've put in to your dog's socialization and training process.

Looking for just one more reason to socialize your pup? At some point, you will likely need to leave your dog in the care of another while you travel for a vacation, family emergency, or for business. Even if you usually prefer to take your pup with you everywhere you go, this is not always feasible. If your dog is well socialized, leaving them is easier for them (and for you). It is easier to find a neighbor or family member to care for a dog that is well socialized, and in the event that your usual dog-sitter isn't available, a boarding facility will be more than happy to see your well-socialized pup. Socialization means being able to leave him in a facility (or a home) where he can continue to socialize with people and pets, greatly expanding your options should you need to leave Fido behind when you travel.

Curious about how to socialize your dog? Read on! "How to Socialize Your Puppy" covers everything you need to know before (or shortly after) you bring home your new pup. "How to Socialize Your Dog" discusses the process of socializing an older dog. Above all, remember that kindness and patience are the most rewarding methods when dealing with dogs — you and your pup will be happier and healthier for it!