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Far too many dogs these days end up in shelters or pounds because their owners did not understand their behavior and were not able to deal with it appropriately. Many of these dogs end up being euthanized when they could have been rehabilitated. Here are a few ways you can properly socialize your dog and avoid this fate.

#1: Start Early

It is crucial the you understand that a dog learns better as a puppy. As soon as your puppy is ready to come home at about 7-8 weeks, this is when training should start. Everyone should be gentle with puppy. Don't rough house with them. This only teaches them that rough play is OK, and as an adult dog, rough play isn't so cute anymore.

#2: Understand the Pack Order

Dogs are pack animals, as we all know, and they will create a pack hierarchy in the house. You and all other humans in the house are included in the pack. Because of this, you and all other people in the house need to establish that you are above the dog. This does not mean that you need to harshly enforce this, but subtle changes in the way you conduct yourself go a long way. Pay attention to the little things your dog does, such as growling when they eat or sitting or putting a paw on you. These are all dominant behaviors that need to be curbed to prevent future problems.

#3: Dog Parties

If you want your dog to not be aggressive to other dogs, you need to have them be around other dogs. As long as your dog has their necessary shots, try taking them to a dog park or a dog daycare so that your dog can learn that other dogs are OK and that they are not the enemy. This is a good idea even if you have other dogs in the house, as your dogs will look at other dogs as 'outsiders' unless they are taught otherwise.

#4: Don't Chase the Mailman

When welcomed people come to your house it is important that your dog know who you are letting in and who doesn't belong. Let them get acquainted with the mail carrier, or paper delivery person. If you let in a repair person, and you are fearful of how they will react to this person, it's OK to crate your dog until that person leaves. However, if you associate them well enough, you won't have to take such measures. Make sure as soon as you can that you socialize your dog with as many different kinds of people. Include both genders, and as many different types of ethnicity's as possible. The more people they have seen the less likely for them to be surprised by anyone.

#5: Exercise

Often, aggression or other social problems in dogs arise from a lack of exercise. Your dog naturally has a lot of energy that needs to be expended. Bound up energy in your dog ends up being taken out in inappropriate ways otherwise. Try taking your dog for a walk or light jog everydaythis will be good for your health too. If that doesn't fit your schedule, you can also train your dog to use a treadmill. You should at least play catch or something similar with your dog every day; they are not meant to be sedentary animals.

In the end, just remember that your house is your dog's world unless you let them know that more is out there. Your dog doesn't have the everyday opportunities to learn more like you do, unless you show them. Your dog has to be shown the ways of the world to be properly socialized.