Socialization is the introduction of your puppy to as many new people, experiences, animals, sights and sounds as possible during his puppyhood.
Good socialization is CRITICAL to your Newfoundlands developement.
We begin socialization while he is here, but it is IMPERATIVE that you introduce your pup to as many new people, places and things as possible while he is still young.
Anything that will be a part of his life should be a part of his socialization.
Introduce him to kids, cats, small dogs, big dogs, bikes, riding in cars, motorcycles etc. If you want him to be comfortable around a specific object, or in a specific situqation, introduce him to it EARLY.
The more things you can introduce him to, the better adjusted he will be as an adult.
While socialization is crucial, it is also important to keep your pups health in mind.
Introduce him ONLY to dogs you know and that you know are vaccinated and healthy and have nice. friendly temperaments.
This is NOT the time to take him to the "doggy park" and let him mingle with unknown, strange dogs.
He should NOT BE EXPOSED to strange dogs, their feces or urine until he has had his ENTIRE vaccination series.
This means if you take him to PetSmart etc that he STAYS IN THE CART and is not allowed on the floor.
Poor socialization skills accout for a large number of problems that dogs seem to have and develop as they get older.
We hear about dogs that bite, carry on, and are generally ill tempered.
Soemtimes this can be traced to bad genetics and breeding, but oftentimes it is nothing more than a lack of early socialization.
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