Socializing your dog is vital so that it is a pet without fear and can live peacefully in our society K9 training Houston. Most socialization problems in adult dogs are due to poor socialization in the puppy stage or even not properly relating to their environment. Make sure your dog is a respectable canine citizen with the following tips:
- Your daily walks are key
Taking your dog to a public place and simply walking will help him feel more comfortable with the world and the people around him. Taking different paths or routes will allow your dog the opportunity to meet new friends and see a wide variety of places.
- Diversifying your social calendar
Expose your dog to a multitude of different people, from men to women to children, so he can acclimate to the idea of people. The idea is that if your dog only spends time with one person, he might be averse to anyone but that person, so it’s crucial to diversify your dog’s social calendar and spend time cultivating new friendships.
-Stay calm and safe if your dog starts to get scared. Don’t pressure him, but don’t take his behavior too seriously either.
-Make sure people pet your dog where you can see their hands, such as on your little one’s chest or chin.
-Use treats to give your dog a positive association with new people and experiences.
-Go back to the basics. A dog with good training and routine is a well-adapted dog.
- Everything in due time
The appropriate age to socialize your dog is between 3 and 12 weeks. Normally, puppies should be exposed to:
-Unknown people
-Unknown items of clothing and accessories (hoods, jackets, sunglasses, hats) -Body
management (ears, paws, tail, etc.)
-Urban environments
-Parks, masses of water, forests and beaches
-Vehicles
-Different types of pavements and ground surfaces
-Common objects in the neighborhood, such as traffic signs, bicycles, baby strollers, skateboards and benches
-Cats
-Other dogs
Beyond 4 months it is much more difficult to socialize a dog, but it is not impossible! Don’t be discouraged if you have an older dog, because you can teach an older dog new things.
- Include training or daycare classes
Dog training classes are also a very good place to meet other dogs and people in a safe and controlled environment. The same goes for puppy daycare.
- Give sweets as a reward
It’s good to have a few treats on hand as a reward to encourage your dog’s good behavior. When your little one interacts well with another dog, what will you do? Well yes, you will give him a candy! This encourages positive social behavior. Tasty, high-value treats are more successful: cheese strips, chicken pieces or pieces of hard-boiled egg are usually dogs’ favorites. Remember to adjust your dog’s calorie intake at mealtimes to compensate for the extra calories he has consumed in snacks.
- Go to the dog park or pet store
Let your furry friend take a walk in the park. If he is used to being loose, let him run in a park where it is allowed, or organize an afternoon of play at a friend’s house with his dog.
If you’re running out of poop bags or that great-smelling dog shampoo, head to the pet store with your dog to see what’s new. Maybe I’ll make some new friends! Plus, you’ll surely meet other dog owners in your neighborhood, which can be the start of a great dog friendship.
- Follow their signals
You have to be careful when introducing two dogs. Always make sure the other party is friendly before facilitating introductions and sniffing. It is important that you know the signs that indicate that your dog is uncomfortable (excessive panting, yawning, tail between the legs) so that you can act accordingly. Make sure the interactions are long enough to get used to it, but not so long that your little one gets tired.