Training should focus on positive reinforcement. A group setting can also provide a chance to socialize your dog to new people and dogs in an unfamiliar setting. Socialization Puppies need to be exposed to other dogs in order to learn how to appropriately interact and communicate with other dogs. The most sensitive period of socialization to other dogs is 3 to 8 weeks of age. This does not mean an older dog cannot be socialized to other dogs or animals, but the process may take more time and may move more slowly.
Socialization is vital to prevent interdog aggression.
It should be started as early as is safe and maintained throughout the dog's life. Puppies may not be fully vaccinated so bringing them into areas where many other dogs visit leaves them susceptible to acquiring diseases. One way to allow your puppy to interact with other dogs is to have friends' or neighbors' dogs come over to visit your puppy, so long as you know the other dogs are healthy and fully vaccinated. Dogs also need to be socialized to people. The most sensitive period for socialization to people is between 5 and 12 weeks of age.