It is very important to introduce a therapy dog-in-training to lots of places where they can experience different sounds and smells, meet new people, and even walk on different surfaces.

Teaching a puppy or dog to remain calm and focused, without fear or aggression, is called “socialization.”

When socializing a dog or puppy, gradually increase the number of distractions. Always reward good behavior with yummy treats and lots of praise. If your dog is fearful, don’t push them towards what they fear. Rather, stay on the periphery and give treats and praise. When they relax, take a step closer. Be patient; it can take weeks or months of positive reinforcement to overcome fearful behavior.