Every incident — big or small — that your puppy goes through makes a permanent impression on her. Every encounter she has, every experience she is exposed to, every interaction she has with other animals, dogs and humans, and every response you make to her behaviors all work to mold her into the adult dog she will be.

There's a tricky balance to raising a puppy. You want your puppy to experience as many people, places, and different environments as possible, but you also want to make sure that all these experiences are positive. This requires that you, as a puppy owner, think ahead. You have to be a couple of steps ahead of the situation and cognizant of the physical signals of discomfort or approaching anxiety that your puppy is giving.

For example, if she's likely to become frightened by a school bus as it roars by in the morning, don't force her to wait at the corner with you (and a pack of kids) as the bus roars to a halt. Instead, allow her to sit on her leash at a comfortable distance away from the bus. Praise her for watching the bus quietly. If she shows signs of discomfort, move farther away.

The distance at which she can observe “frightening” objects is her “safety zone.” Every dog has one — timid dogs will want to investigate unknowns from a greater distance away; bolder dogs will be more comfortable checking something out at a closer distance. From your puppy's safety zone, gradually move a little closer each day, rewarding her for good behavior with verbal and physical praise and a small treat. If you've moved too close for comfort one day, move back to her previous comfort zone and reinforce her good behavior.