By Ayella Grossman. Published in Milton Today. Feb. 2010.

Many trainers will tell you the window for having a well-socialized puppy closes around five months. Yet many people fear the diseases their puppy may potentially pickup out in the world. Socializing your puppy does not need to be a dangerous undertaking. Planning and executing socialization while a puppy is still young is one of the most valuable things you do for a puppy. The risk that they may get sick when you are cautious about where they are going is far less than the risk that they may become fearful and anti-social when they are locked up in a house during the most impressionable months of their lives.

Here is what you need to know: What you should be most afraid of is feces of other dogs and animals. While walking your puppy on a sidewalk on a leash, they are not likely to come across feces. On the sidewalk, you can ask other dog owners if their dog is friendly towards puppies and in good health. Then allow your puppy to meet the other dog. On the same walk, take advantage of any person who coos at your puppy. Ask if they would be willing to give her a treat and let her greet each new person. The more people and dogs you can introduce your puppy to, the more social skills she will develop.

Each dog owner must make up their own mind as to how they perceive the “risk” and how they value the benefits. The parvovirus is highly contagious. If it is in the area, it can find your puppy in their own backyard, as it can travel on the foot of birds to your yard. You always take a risk that a puppy may get ill. However, you have your dog for the rest of their lives and they are far more enjoyable if well socialized. So talk to your vet and make an educated decision on how you will socialize your puppy.

For more on puppy socialization and training tips, visit the puppy experts at BauHound Haus Inc.