Training : Socialization

Once you get your puppy, it is very important to start socializing it right way. Exposing your puppy to as many different situations as possible will ensure that as an adult, it will be easy to take your Leonberger anywhere with you.

Your breeder will have started the socialization process for you well before you get your puppy, and following up that process, especially during the critical period from 8-16 weeks, and continuing through until your dog is a minimum of a year old, is very important.

Each article in this section gives tips on how to best socialize your puppy and also how to deal with situations where your puppy is afraid of something. The three main things to remember are:

1. Always make each socialization experience a fun one - never frightening, which means never forcing your puppy to face something it isn't ready to.
2. Use each day as an opportunity to socialize your pup to something new.
3. Never put your puppy on flooring/the ground where sick or unknown animals may have walked. Parvo is easily carried on the soles of feet.