How to socialize your Australian Shepherd

While extremely intelligent and sweet-natured, Australian Shepherds tend to be shy and fearful if unsocialized. The optimal window for socialization is from 10 to 16 weeks. Your goal during socialization should be to introduce your puppy to every person and object he or she will encounter as an adult. Socialization for your Australian Shepherd is crucial in order to create a well-rounded, well-mannered family pet.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your puppy to the vet for shots. Vaccinations prevent your puppy from contracting deadly illnesses. Your puppy's shots won't be finished until it is at least 16 weeks old, although Australian Shepherd socialization should start much earlier.

    • 2

      Scout out places to meet people. Sit outside at coffee shops and take your puppy to the pet store and to the park. Make a goal to introduce your puppy to 100 people a week. Ball games, parks and community events can help you meet your goal. The more people your Aussie puppy can meet, the less fearful it'll be as an adult.

    • 3

      Introduce your puppy to a variety of animals, especially if your puppy will be working stock. Visit a farm and allow your puppy to meet horses, goats, sheep, cattle and ducks. Allow your puppy to meet other puppies. You should avoid letting your puppy play with older, unvaccinated dogs.

    • 4

      Ensure your puppy meets children. Visit a boy or girl scout troop. Take your puppy to a youth group meeting. Keep your Aussie puppy on a leash so that it doesn't "herd" the children.

    • 5

      Introduce your puppy to a variety of surfaces. Walk your puppy over gravel, linoleum, concrete and grass. Lay a ladder or some wire mesh out in the yard and have your puppy walk over it. Steady footing on all terrain will keep your puppy from showing fear in strange situations later in life.

    • 6

      Acquaint your puppy with a variety of sounds. Prepare for all eventualities, including babies. Play a CD with a variety of household sounds on it. Introduce the sound of the vacuum cleaner, a variety of music, motorcycles, babies, screaming, cats, monkeys, lawnmowers and any other sound you can think of. The more your puppy hears now, the less will startle it when its older.