Dogs are social creators much like we are. Dogs in the wild grow up in packs and they are socialised almost from birth. They figure out body language and cues within the group. The same goes for dogs that are raised in a litter from birth. When they come into a human family, socialisation with humans begin. Being social is an important part of your dogs overall health and wellbeing. Making sure that you get them to interact with other dogs and fellow humans is important.
HOW TO SOCIALISE A DOG WITH OTHER DOGS
In order to get your dog familiar with interacting with other dogs, try taking them to places where dogs and there human masters gather and play. More on this later, but say for example somewhere like a dog park is a great place to start.
Get your dog to observe other dogs
- Go to a dog park but don’t go in, stay out side near the gate.
- Allow your dog to observe the other dogs and witness their behaviour
- Every time a dog comes near the fence, reinforce a positive associates with contact to other dogs in the form of a treat.
- If your dog is aggressive to other dogs, move your pooch further away from the fence and slowly bring them closer until they calm down.
Try not to tug when approaching other dogs while out walking
When you approach another dog out when walking, resist the temptation to tug your dog away from the other dog and yell at them. This is reinforcing a negative associations to meeting new dogs. Instead get their attention as you approach a dog and see if you can get them to sit for a treat to introduce the idea to them that meeting new dogs is a fun experience. And as they get better allow them to slowly interact with other dogs and let them say hello.
Dog training classes and puppy school
Puppy school or dog training classes are a great way to get your dog familiar and better at interacting with other dogs. Ultimately increasing their experience socialising with other dogs. Dog obedience classes are also a controlled environment where you can take your dog to learn commands before taking them out the interact with other dogs.
HOW TO SOCIALISE A DOG WITH HUMANS
Socialising your dog with humans might be a little easier then with other dogs. Depending on how your dog is. But every loves a little puppy and will want to come up and pat your dog. But your dog might be nervous and not like such interaction. So here are some tips to make this experience easier for them.
Walk your dog regularly
getting your dog outside and walking about daily if you can if ideal. This will get them familiar with the outside world. And over time they should get better with interactions with people. Also cars and loud noises can make some dogs nervous so exposing them to this will help.
Meet all kinds of people
Take your dog out and meet a large range of different types of people. If your dog only hangs out with you, they will only get used to people like you. Letting them meet men and women and people from all walks of life. Will make them understand that humans are very different and they will be more accepting to many.
Start at a good time
When socialising your puppy it is important that you start at the best time that you can. That being between 3 and 12 weeks of age which is the sweet spot for socialising a puppy. You puppy should be exposed to a range of different things during this time frame.
- Unfamiliar people
- Unfamiliar dress (hoods, jackets, sunglasses, hats)
- Urban environments
Parks, bodies of water, woods, and beaches - Vehicles
- Different types of flooring and ground surfaces
- Common town objects like street signs, bicycles, strollers, skateboards, benches
- Cats
- Other dogs
After about 4 months it will become more difficult to socialise our puppy, so try your best to get this socialising in as soon as you can.
BEST PLACES TO SOCIALISE YOUR PUPPY
There are so many places you and your friend can go to get this socialising going and getting them more familiar with other dogs and humans.
- The dog park
- Out the front of school
- Coffee shops
- The beach and seaside
- Other shops like supermarket
- Shopping centres and car parks
- Local sports matches
These are just some ideas of places to get you on your way. Remember to stock up on treats to reward your pup for doing such a great job. And you will be on your way to having a dog that is comfortable interacting with other dogs and humans.
