Socialization

Socialization is one of the most important thing you can do for your dog! Socialize. Socialize. Socialize.
The more balanced and well rounded your dog is, how calm he stays in different situations, can all be linked to how socialized the dog is.
Socialize him with all his senses: Site, smell and sound. Sounds are very important. I have been opening Mikey up to a lot by just walking around the block. One thing that seems to be a common factor of fear for dogs are wheels. All Wheels, bike, cars, skateboard, etc. The kids down from our house were all out in the street riding all kinds of wheeled toys that made all kinds of loud noises. I purposly took Mikey for a walk, back and forth of that house at least 5 times! He was 'skiddish' at first, especially when they rode close by. We sat there until he was calm then I had the children give him his "Mikey good boy" treats. Now the Garbage truck? Well, that's gonna take more time. I have walked him in the sun, the rain, a windy day and at night. We encounter a lot and he does not seem to mind the other dogs, the barking, the stray cat, a random squirrel or bird. Another great sense to expose your dog to is the air! One of the best treats you can do is take Mikey with you on short trips, roll the window down a few and let him hold that nose out the window. A dogs dream.
Socalizing your dog with people is also just as important. Tall people, short people, people of all race and ethenicity, all ages- espically the young and old! Every one smells differnt and sounds differnt. Every person reacts differnt as well. Some dog lovers will run over to grab your dog and squeeze him tight, some people are very afraid of dogs and show it. The more people he sees the more open and calm he will be around them. Most strangers when they meet a dog will go to 'pat' them on the head , often catching him off guard. Let me tell you, Mikey is like a magnet. Everyone wants to touch him! By the time I am done with him he will be the most touched dog! :)
Socializing him with other dogs is also very important. Same as the above, there are different breeds, size, smells, age of other dogs. Socialzing with other dogs is a great source of play and good exercise for the dogs! Being able to take your dog with you anywhere is a huge bonus: other peoples homes, vacations, parks, any social outing. Mikey is learning how to play with other dogs. I took him over to a friends house today for his first Puppy Party! We meet outside to do the proper meet and greet, once all was well, we let them loose in her fenced yard. He was so darn excited!!!! He did try to hump a few times, he did try to nip her hind end, but they worked it out nicely! They ran and ran until they both passed out in a plie in the shade. I missed these moments with the camera darn it! But it was Awesome! Mikey was wet, dirty, happy and tired!