My post and the last one are not meant to harp... but I've got two dogs out there right now that despite discussing these issues with each puppy parent, I'm hearing some problems arising from some sound and simple advise not being followed. One due to loving too much to properly correct and the other due to not socializing outside the home. The first dog has become horribly disrespectful of it's owner essentially assuming the alpha position at a year old and the second, distrustful of people outside it's small circle at four months of age. A trip to Sonic or McDonalds drive up is an outing... it's not socialization. Sitting on a bench outside a mall watching people go by and allowing or encouraging them to come up to greet your well behaved pup is socialization. Carrying a pocket full of treats is always a good idea. If your pup is reluctant to greet people they need more exposure... not forced handling but exposure. You can also pass the treat to those you meet and request they give it to them. If you waste no time getting your pups out and about this shouldn't be necessary. My plan for them is to leave me as confident little Dobermans... Within a litter some will naturally be more confident than others. But they all need early socialization. I want everyone and every pup to succeed. I want them to do more than succeed... I want them to excel.