Accustom your puppy to many things at a young
age. Baths, brushing, clipping nails, cleaning ears, having teeth examined, and
so on. Taking the time to make these things matter of fact and pleasant for
your puppy will save you a world of time and trouble later in its life.
For example, every evening before the dog eats (but after you have put its bowl
down), check its ears by peeking in the ear and touching it with your fingers.
Do this every evening until the dog stops fussing about it. Continue to do it
and you'll always know if your dog's ears are okay.
Brushing is important, especially for double coated or long-haired dogs when
they begin to shed. A little effort now to get your puppy to enjoy brushing
will save you a lot of trouble later when it begins to shed.
During your puppy's first year, it is very important that it be exposed to a
variety of social situations. After the puppy has had all its shots, carefully
expose it to the outside world. Take it to different places: parks, shopping
center, schools, different neighborhoods, dog shows, obedience classes--just
about anywhere you can think of that would be different for a little puppy. If
the puppy seems afraid, then let it explore by itself. Encourage the puppy, but
be firm not coaxing. You want the pup to learn about the world so that it
doesn't react fearfully to new situations when it is an adult. You also want it
to learn that you will not ask it to do anything dangerous or harmful.
Socializing your dog can be much fun for you and the dog!
Introduce your puppy to as many people as you can. Do not commit the classic
mistake made by many owners when their dogs exhibit fear or aggression on
meeting strangers. DO NOT "soothe" them, or say things like "easy, boy/girl,"
"it's OK." This serves as REINFORCEMENT and ENCOURAGES the fear or growling!
Instead, say "no!" sharply and praise it WHEN IT STOPS. Praise it even more
when it allows its head to be petted. If it starts growling or backing up
again, say "no!" Be a little more gentle with the "no" if the dog exhibits
fear, but do be firm. With a growling dog, be much more emphatic and stern with
your "no!"
Enrolling your puppy in a puppy class (and you should, they are not expensive)
will give your puppy some good socialization skills.