How do you socialize an unsocialized dog?

One of the easiest ways to begin socializing an older dog is to go on walks in public together. Always make sure your dog is on a leash that is properly secured. Walking is a great way to take in the sights and smells of new places. When you frequent the same places, your dog should begin to feel more at ease there. If you encounter a situation where your dog is uncomfortable, turn around and go home – back to your dog’s safe place. A great next step in socializing your adult dog is to introduce them to another adult dog. Make sure the new dog you’re meeting is not suffering from lack of socialization, fear, aggressiveness, etc. Keep both dogs on a leash when they meet, to ensure you have control in case the meeting doesn't go well. Reward your dog for positive interactions with their new furry friend. If your dog has trouble around other people, a great next step is to introduce them to new people perhaps without adding another dog to the mix. Remember never to force your dog to stay in a situation where they’re clearly uncomfortable, anxious, or afraid. It’s never too late to socialize an adult dog. The most important things to remember are to go at your dog’s pace and keep things positive. You will find you’re most successful when you don’t overwhelm your pet with an overload of training or try to move too quickly. Always stay positive. Be prepared with treats and lots of praise!

Dogs learn how to interpret the world around them between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. This is when they learn that other dogs can be friends and new people aren’t dangerous. But not all dogs are lucky enough to grow up in an environment where positive socialization occurred. To start with, make sure your dog knows basic commands, like “heel,” “sit” and “come,” all of which can be helpful if your dog starts to act out. The best way to help your dog if you think he is not well socialized is to invest in some training. No matter their age, all dogs can be socialized. If you feel up to it, you can try socializing your pooch on your own. The socialization of dogs that are very fearful or aggressive is better handled by a professional trainer. Instead of panicking, try turning the negative into a positive. Use a command like “sit” or “watch me” to get his attention, then praise him or reward him with a treat for complying.