Brian's Socialization Tips

A well-socialized dog is a happy dog! Dogs enjoy getting out for play with other furry companions. Who else to better understand the need to splash through a muddy puddle?

Socializing your pup is important so they can learn about the world around them. They learn from experiences. Every time they hear a noise, see a person or an object your dog is learning something new.

So many of us see our dogs as our children. Many of the lessons you would teach your children would apply in a different way to your pet. Parents expect their children to behave in public, dog-owners should work toward similar behavior in their pet. Equate a loud, screaming child to a loud, barking dog. Good manners are important to good socialization.

If you want your puppy or adult canine to get out and schmooze, keep your paw on your computer mouse and keep reading:

Tip #1: Make sure your dog is healthy and current on vaccinations. Rabies, canine distempter, canine parvovirus, bordatella, monthly flea and tick treatments are all important.

Each of these vaccinations helps prevent and protect your pet from common canine illnesses.

Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for treatment frequency and to get more information about each of these vaccinations.

Tip #2: Start introducing your pup to a variety of sights, smells, people and objects slowly. A walk through your neighborhood would be the perfect start.

Put your pup on a sturdy lead and start down the block. The smells of your neighbor's yard is different, the sound of the occasional car passing by will be good to get used to, a lawn being mowed, your neighbor could provide a good one-on-one introduction, and there are so many different things to see up the block.

A large crowd of people could be intimidating and scary for a dog. Small bits of positive interaction with new experiences and people are much easier to handle. It is also easier for you to teach proper introductions and behavior.

Once your dog seems comfortable with one-on-one introductions with people or other dogs, try to work your way up to a walk through the park, a school yard, a shopping mall. Each of these destinations provides a gradual increase in sound and number of people.

A dog park should be a goal, not an initial introduction to socialization.

Tip #3: Keep it positive and fun for both of you. Pay attention to the sights, smells and activities that your dog seems to enjoy. It's definitely more fun if you enjoy the walks or the sights, too. Your dog will feel your energy – if you're nervous, they will be nervous too.

Tip #4: Introduce your dog to another dog one at a time. An introduction to a group of dogs can be intimidating and frightening.

Tip #5: An initial introduction to a dog of the same size and temperament is ideal. Usually your friends are similar to you, right?

Eventually, they can get used to smaller or larger dogs.

Tip #6: Take it safe and slow. Your dog should be confident that you are there to back him up when he isn't comfortable. So, make sure your nerves are settled before you meet other dogs. Also, make sure you maintain control of a situation with a lead, through a gate, or a window until you feel comfortable about the environment for your dog.

Often, it takes more than one introduction or a longer period of time for some dogs to get used to being around other dogs or a new environment. Be patient and don't give up if the initial effort isn't successful. Look for the trigger(s) that make your dog happy or nervous.

Ideas for social activities:

Dog park
Host a neighborhood or family play group in your yard
Walk through your neighborhood
Dog Daycare
Agility
Flyball
Dog-friendly restaurants