Socializing your dog means making it feel comfortable around other dogs, people, and surroundings. By getting to know their environment, they will understand it and will be more relaxed and happier.
Although dogs are socialized most easily when they are pups because they are curious and fearless, you can also teach them social skills even as adults. So, if you’ve adopted an adult dog that lacks social skills, don’t worry, you can teach them how to socialize your dog with other dogs by following these 3 tips.
Benefits of Dog Socialization
Socializing your dog with other dogs has multiple benefits for your dog since they:
- Learn to behave well around other dogs and people
- Feel more relaxed when they go to different places or are around other dogs.
- Become more confident.
- Find their best friend(s), which is an important part of their life just as it is for us.
- Live a happy and healthy life because they get to meet other dogs, play with them, have lots of fun, exercise together, and learn to listen to other dogs.
Tips on How to Socialize Your Dog with Other Dogs
- Take Your Dog on Dog Training Classes
Training classes are a great way to socialize your dog since there are… well, many other dogs. Also, these classes teach them how to obey and follow orders, which is exactly what you need to make sure they listen to you when teaching them social skills. Plus, if you’ve come across some issues in your effort to socialize your dog with other dogs, talk you the trainer, they will help you introduce it to the others in the class.
2. Take Your Dog in the Dog Park
Most dogs hang out in the dog parks, so going there is a great idea for helping your dog become more relaxed around other dogs. The first several times you go there, don’t enter the park but stand a bit further and let your dog watch the other dogs.
If your dog moves closer to the other dogs, give them a treat and, while on a leash, go a bit closer to the other dogs to see how your dog will react to the closer distance. However, if they behave aggressively, go away until they calm down and watch the other dogs from there.
3. Go on a Walk
Going on a walk with your furry friend is a great chance to teach them some social skills. Use these walks to introduce your dog to other dogs, but be careful and constantly follow their behavior. You never know whether they’ll react positively or negatively.
If your dog starts barking at other dogs, don’t pull them back on the leash or yell at them. This will make them bark even more and create a negative image about having other dogs around. Instead, calm them down with a muzzle or distract them with a treat, a specific touch you’ve practiced, or use some of your training moves, and move away.
Are you ready to socialize your dog with other dogs? Then, stock up on snacks, put your dog on a leash, and go on a walk or head to the closest dog park.