5 Tips to Socialize Your Dog with Other Dogs and Humans

You adore and cherish our dog, and why not? Dogs are amazing pets and even better companions. You love your furry companion for the affection and loyalty they show you, this is why it is difficult and even embarrassing when your dog does not behave well around other dogs and people. Helping your four-legged friend socialize with others will provide you with peace of mind as well as help you feel more comfortable with your pooch when you are around others or in a public space.

To help your dog be more comfortable around other dogs and people, we have compiled a list of 5 ways to help socialize your dog:

1. Frequent Dog Parks

To help your dog get along with other dogs, try visiting local dog parks regularly. There will undoubtedly be other dogs in the park, so start off by keeping your pooch on a leash just so that they begin to feel more comfortable with other dogs around. Over time you can begin to let your dog engage with other dogs, and ultimately, the goal will be to let your dog off the leash to roam freely. You will also meet other dog owners and become familiar with their dogs, this will help you schedule play dates where your dog can engage with dogs they are familiar and comfortable with.

2. Dog Daycare

Taking your dog to a dog daycare will allow your dog to meet and play with other dogs and people in a supervised setting. Spending several hours a day, a few days a week in a dog daycare will help your dog become more confident and independent. This also exposes your dog to other dogs that vary in species and ages.

3. Daily Walks

Taking your dog for a daily walk not only establishes a routine for your canine, but will help them become accustomed to seeing other people and dogs along your walks. Your dog will also get use to cars and bikes passing by and become adjusted to environmental noise. Changing your walking route periodically will allow your dog to experience new surroundings and become more comfortable with different people and dogs you pass by.

4. Start Early

The best time to start socializing your dog is as soon as possible. It is much easier to get a puppy accustomed to behaving around people and other dogs than it is a mature dog. As a puppy, your dog will be more open to engaging with unfamiliar people and dogs and exploring new environments such as parks, beaches, woods, etc. It will also be a good idea to let your pup experience different forms of body handling or petting like people touching their ears, tail, paws, etc.

5. Dog Training

Taking your puppy to training classes is not only good for socializing with other dogs and their owners, it will also help them interact appropriately with others and help them distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviours.

Whenever you start socializing your dog and no matter if you are dropping off your dog at a dog daycare or going to a park together, you should be cautious when introducing your dog to other dogs or people. Your dog’s safety and the safety of other dogs and people must always be top of mind.