Socializing your dog with pets and humans is crucial to give your pet an easy time. You’ll learn about your dog, its culture, and how it thinks. The first step in socializing a dog is to be patient. Don’t start the process too early. Some dogs require patience to get used to their new home, while others take longer.
When starting, ensure you’re clear on all of the specific rules. Ensure your dog understands these same rules while being able to enjoy playing with humans as well. After the dog understands you and your rules, introduce it to other dogs, including puppies and adult dogs.
If another dog comes too close, do not panic! Take a step back and forth and repeat this until the other dog backs off. Then repeat until the other dog is comfortable with you and its behavior around you.
Follow Your Dog’s Cues
Once you have socialized your dog with different breeds and types of dogs at different ages (puppies, adults), increase the time they spend together on a leash. That’s until they are comfortable walking next to each other without pulling or barking at each other’s presence. If one of them does become upset by the presence of another or barks at the other, immediately stop walking.
If your dog is reactive and comfortable around other dogs, it is time to find a different place to walk your dog. If this situation is not resolved, you may need to consider getting a new dog or adopting a new one.
If there are no other options available, you may need to ask a friend or family member for help training your dog to be more comfortable.
How To Socialize My Dog With Other Dogs and People
The process helps you to understand the temperament and personality of your dog. It can help you teach them new behaviors and commands and make them more comfortable with strangers.
If you have a medium-sized dog, you are probably comfortable handling the situation. If it’s an adult dog, you may need to work with a professional trainer or someone who has experience with dogs.
Training Tips To Help Your Dog in Social Settings
- Try to keep the other dog’s tail and face out of your dog’s sight. This will help avoid the possibility of your dog lunging at the other dog or jumping on them.
- If you see your dog lunging or jumping on another animal, immediately stop and move away from the other animal.
- When in a public setting, bring along something you can use as a distraction. You can use a treat, toy or something that your dog loves.
- If you feel nervous about the situation, you may want to work with a professional trainer or someone who has experience.
Try to make yourself available for activities like (e.g., playing with your child, going out on walks) that require cooking or cleaning up so your dog can get some outdoor experience. And finally, make sure you’re aware of any restrictions his culture may have against specific foods and activities.
D&G Kennels can help your dog to socialize with other dogs and people. Call them to plan a kennel visit.