If you have a puppy, you should know that socializing is a crucial part of caring for your new hunting dog. The unsocialized puppy may end up biting out of fear, so it’s very important to socialize your dog. If you’re looking to start social training with your dog, here are some tips.

Puppy School
Puppy training classes can be a great asset to you and your puppy. You’ll learn commands that will teach your puppy control himself, like sit, stay and quiet. You’ll also receive advice on socialization questions. Check with local pet stores or search online to find a puppy class near you.

Don’t enroll a very shy puppy in a group class. It’s too overwhelming. If your puppy is shy to the point of hiding from everyone and everything, you’ll need to help him develop some trust before you try any of the exercises we’ve discussed.

Dealing with a Shy Dog
What do you do when your puppy is shy to the point of being afraid? Never force a fearful dog to accept petting. This increases his anxiety and could lead to fear biting. To help a shy puppy come out of his shell, you’ll need to do a “greeting circle”. Here’s how:

You’ll need some patient friends and some irresistible treats. Sit in a circle. Place you puppy in the center or if he is very shy, you can sit him next to you. Have everyone sit sideways, facing the person to their left or right. This position is to be non-threatening. Avoid direct eye contact, sudden movements, or dominant postures like leaning over the puppy.

Have each person place a treat in their hand. Close your hand into a fist, and place it in the circle. One at a time, have them open their hand, palm up, and encourage the puppy to come get the treat. Call his name, make kissy noises, be patient and gentle. When the puppy takes the treat, offer lots of quiet praise. Don’t try to pet him until he’s more trusting.

One by one, each person will have a turn trying to bring puppy to the treat in hand. Start by making it simple for the dog. As he learns the nature of the game and freely walks up to the next hand in line, switch up the pace and randomize the process so that he’s going in a more random direction for his treat.

Hopefully once you get him started, your dog will begin walking around the circle and will go to the next person in the circle on his own – at that point, you can try having people not sitting next to each other call him to encourage him to socialize with them.

The Play Date
Playtimes are an excellent way to introduce your puppy to people and animals of all shapes and sizes. Be sure his first playtimes are fun and positive. Observe your puppy carefully. A scary encounter with another dog will make a permanent impression.

Play dates should be arranged with relaxed, friendly dogs and people. Adult dogs can be considered, too, so if you know a friend with a very nice adult dog, start by arranging a play date with them.

You can do a meet and greet at the pet store, too. There is usually no fee for this, so check with your local pet store for days and times. When you do go, watch and take the puppy from the area if he’s uncomfortable or if another dog is pestering him.

Taking your dog with you as frequently as possible when you go out can help familiarize him with smells, sounds and even people and other pets. Be sure if you’re doing this that you take treats with you and reward your dog with both verbal praise and treats when he is friendly towards people or other animals. Some pet shops open their doors happily to your pet and this can be a great place for him to explore at his pace and get familiar with people and other animals.
If you’re out with your puppy and someone asks to pet him make sure they understand that he’s a little shy and offer them a treat for your dog. This can help develop trust with strangers also.