As is common with any type of dog breed, a St. Bernard needs to experience early socialization to be a well-rounded dog. While a St. Bernard is a naturally friendly animal, the dog does need to learn good manners in order to ensure proper interaction with other people and animals. Because of the dogs large size, they are unaware that their imposing stature can make it more difficult to form a friendship with people, they need to learn self-control in situations that are new and unfamiliar.

The most important thing to remember about a St. Bernard before starting socialization training, is that this dog is not an aggressive breed. In fact, the dog is an incredible watchdog and will bark at unknown people to alert their owner of their presence. The St. Bernard will by nature be friendly to anyone, even a complete stranger. This can be an added benefit if you live in a home with a lot of people and company coming through. The only problem is that a St. Bernards size and intimidating bark will likely startle someone, before they even meet the dog. Therefore, your St. Bernard must learn self-control in a social situation. Additional training can help the Saint Bernard control this defensive and playful barking.

A St. Bernard loves being around new people and animals, being an incredibly friendly animal, he does not show aggression, nor will he have territorial aggression issues. This all means is that your St. Bernard will not growl or try to fight with an unknown dog, male or female, if they are in the home or yard. Especially if they have been properly trained and socialized from birth. There is no such thing as too much training or socialization.

The best method to socialize your St. Bernard is to start by taking him to puppy obedience training classes. Here the dog will be taught the basic commands such as sit, stay or lie down. He will learn to listen to you and he will learn to properly interact with other dogs. He needs to know how to stay in a seated or down position and not jump on strangers or other dogs, before he can be taken on outings in public. This will ensure he will remain in control and be receptive to meeting new people, dogs and situations.

The same can be said about the dogs manners around young children. They need to be extremely well-behaved prior to exposure to children, not because of temperament issues though. The dog simply needs to learn to control his activities so that an injury to the child does not occur.

A St. Bernard is also great with other pets, including other dogs, but the same rules that apply to new animals are applicable to new people. Your dogs size is threatening when it comes to being around a smaller dog breed, so make sure your St. Bernard is socialized and well-trained before being allowed to run and play with other dogs.