Until the puppy has been sufficiently inoculated, socializing can begin within your own home . With your supervision, the puppy will learn through this experience that children are safe, and those little hands reaching forward to pet the puppy are gentle. Associating 'touch' with something the puppy already enjoys like food makes that 'first' contact with children and strangers a pleasant experience. Also, this is a grand time to educate young children about dogs. Once your pup has been sufficiently inoculated, throw some puppy kibble in your pocket and begin to take him for walks down the street.
Puppies are adorable, and attract a lot of attention.
Anyone that passes by will enjoy petting him. Offer your neighbor a piece of puppy kibble to feed to your pup, he will soon learn to 'enjoy' strangers. Offer another piece of food as you approach 'Mr. Mailbox' and Mr. Fire Hydrant' encourage him to investigate, and then give him a treat for doing so. These things along the street can produce an array of responses from your dog, ranging from very scary to very curious. Get him use to the 'everyday' sights and sounds of children playing, cars passing by, and people petting him.