I can’t think of a more important quality in a pet dog than to be friendly to people, especially to children. Consequently, there are no more pressing items on your dog’s training agenda than socialization and habituation. Socialization and habituation make your dog fit to be a great companion. Well-socialized dogs develop confidence and do not become overly dependent on their owners. They are better equipped to calmly handle a variety of situations around people or when left at home alone. Because friendly dogs are a pleasure to be around, owners enjoy spending time playing with and training them. In turn, the dogs are much less like- ly to chew, bark excessively, or soil in the house. Obviously, a well-socialized dog has no need to hide or bite. And well-socialized dogs are certainly more likely to live longer, happier, healthier, and more enriched lives.
