Tips For Socializing A Dog
Everyone wants their pet to be happy and healthy. Did you know that one of the secrets to this is that he has contact with other animals? Even if they don’t live in the same house. Therefore, in the text below, we will talk about some tips for socializing a dog. Do this as soon as possible!
Why should we socialize a dog?
The socialization of a pet is very important because it avoids aggressive behavior, fears and destructive habits. In addition, it will be easier to train him and teach him new things, and he can enjoy the outdoors or family vacations .
If you don’t socialize the dog, you may have problems with it in the future. For a start, he won’t want to go out for a walk, he will be afraid of other animals around him (even those that come close to play and in a friendly way) and he may become aggressive with children.
You can start socializing a dog when it’s 7 or 8 weeks old. During this period, he already knows how to take care of himself, he has already left maternal care behind and does not have the company of his siblings, because he has moved to a house where there may not be other animals. Therefore, the sooner you start the process, the better your pet’s personality will be.
Some owners even start socialization activities from the first month of the animal. In this case, he can be “introduced” to whoever will form part of his family. It’s not a matter of getting started as soon as possible, but knowing the right time to start. However, the more puppy it is, the easier it will be to get results.
Advice for socializing a dog
The process of socialization in a dog requires effort and commitment on the part of the owner, but the good news is that, with the teachings, the animal will grow and develop much better.
It’s not just a matter of him getting along with other dogs in the park, it’s also a matter of improving his lifestyle. Thus, the animal will be braver, more outgoing and happier. Pay attention to these tips:
1. Wait to take it away from the mother
Even though it is a fact that from the sixth week of life the dog can start to develop on its own, it is recommended to leave it with its mother and siblings for at least another 15 days. Thus, he will be preparing himself to live with other similar beings, even if each one follows different paths.
2. Use multiple strategies
Little by little, you will get to know your pet and know which technique is most effective. Maybe it’s the rides or the rewards… Maybe the toys or the food. But the important thing is that he learns more and more, being more sociable and aware of his surroundings.
3. Introduce him not just to puppies
The socialization is not just for your pet get along with the neighbor’s dog or your best friend. It also concerns his relationship with people, and also with objects. Therefore, we recommend that you expand the experiences, taking you to a place where there are flowers, trees, ducks, butterflies…
The idea is that the dog is put in contact with all kinds of things, living beings, noises, smells and sounds that until now are unknown to him. That way he will get used to it and won’t be afraid of a fallen flower, a flying bird or a child.
4. Avoid negative experiences
Before starting to socialize a dog, owners should do a kind of “market research” of the places where they intend to take their pet. There are many parks that have special sections for dogs, where they are loose and can be aggressive with new members.
If this happens, your dog will develop trauma that may not allow him to be sociable in the future. And that’s too bad! Before he approaches another animal, ask his owner about how the possible little friend is related. In the beginning, it’s better for the dog to be close to an animal of his size and that you never leave him alone.
5. be very patient
Socializing a dog is not an easy task. It takes time, dedication and a lot of patience. However, 15 or 20 minutes a day may be enough. Do this and you’ll see how your pet will change, improve and excel.
Main image source: Aiko, Thomas % Juliette+Isaac.
