Our dogs are a part of our family. We pamper them with favorite toys and pedicures, so sometimes it is easy to forget that they are not human. But it’s important for her emotional well-being to make an effort to let her be a dog, especially when it comes to socializing with other members of the species.
Too often we bring home a new dog and welcome the puppy as a member of the family. But then the dog becomes a fixture of the home, and rarely sees people outside of the family except for the vet and groomer. Even though the dog connects with visitors who come to our home, their well-being requires that they mix with others dogs in an environment outside of your home.
Is this really necessary? Yes, it is say the experts because dogs who are properly socialized early in their life tend to interact with others as friends, not foes. Dogs who are not permitted this needed connection are shown to be more aggressive.
Teaching your new puppy to make friends is not a difficult task, but you should wait until she has had all of her shots before taking the walk on the canine side. A young puppy may get overly excited at the prospect of making a new friend and her playful nature can go too far. The puppy is still too young discern the difference between our acquaitances and total strangers.
If your community has one, a dog park is the best place to introduce your puppy to the world. Many dog parks have separate areas for puppies or small dogs. This is also a good opportunity for you to talk to other puppy enthusiasts to find out if their dog is interested in making friends. But also remember to play the field if the first connection goes sour, there are other dogs in the park. If your dog gets along especially well with another dog there, then talk to the owner about arranging future play dates for your pets.
Alternatives to a dog park are walking trails, or even visiting a pet store that welcomes canine shoppers. But regardless of the venue, don’t leave the leash at home. Some dogs don’t take kindly to the leash, although pups tend to be more accepting. Although it’s tempting to rush in for a pet, always ask permission before going up to another person’s dog.
The same general rules apply to an older dog, although if your dog shows anxiety or fear, or reacts aggressively to the approach of a strange dog, then a busy dog park might not be the best option. You might be better off trying a canine day care center or kennel that can offer supervised social interactions for Rover. Look for a center that can train your dog to get over his apprehension. If you believe that his aggession has escalated to the point where he could cause someone harm, consider finding a qualified teacher to work with your dog.
It means happier dog walks, easier trips to the vet, and if you decide to add another dog at some point, a smoother transition for both of you.
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