Everyone wants their dogs to be happy and healthy. Do you know that one of the secrets to achieving these goals is to have them socialize with other animals? Even if they don’t live in the same house. For this, in the following article we will give you some tips for socializing a dog.
Why do we need to socialize a dog?
Socialization for an animal is very important, because it prevents these from developing aggressive behaviors , fears and destructive habits. In addition, it will be much easier to train him and teach him new things, and he will enjoy outdoor walks and family vacations.
If a dog does not socialize, you may have problems with him in the future. First, he will not want to leave the house, will be afraid of other animals and may be aggressive towards children.
From the first 7-8 weeks of life, you can start socializing your furry friend. At this stage he no longer takes milk from his mother and no longer has the company of his brothers because he has moved to a house where perhaps there are no other animals. Therefore, the sooner you start this process, the better.
Some owners socialize their pet as early as its first month of life. In this case, he is introduced to the members of his new family. It’s not about starting as early as possible, it’s about identifying the best time to do it. Although, the smaller the dog, the greater the results.
Tips for socializing a dog
The socialization process of a puppy requires effort on the part of the owner as well, but the good news is that after this type of training , the animal will grow in the best way.
It’s not just about making him feel good around other dogs at the park, but also about improving his lifestyle. This way the dog will be braver, more outgoing and happier . Follow these tips:
1. Wait for the right moment to remove him from his mother
Although after the first 6 weeks of life a dog becomes autonomous, it is recommended to leave it with its mother and siblings for at least another 15 days. Thus he will be ready to interact with his fellow men.
2. Use different strategies
Gradually you will learn about your furry friend and, therefore, the most effective tactic to make him socialize. Maybe the walks, or the rewards… sometimes the games or the food. But the most important thing is that he learns more each time, that he is more sociable and aware of his surroundings.
3. Don’t just socialize with other dogs
Good socialization doesn’t mean that your furry friend will only get along with your neighbor’s dog or your best friend’s. This also includes how he reacts to other people and to the various objects he encounters. For this, we recommend that you take him to places where there are trees, flowers and much more, so that he can expand his knowledge.
The goal is that you come into contact with both living and non-living beings. For example with sounds, smells and noises that he does not yet know. That way he won’t be frightened if he sees a fallen branch, a bird in flight or if he hears a baby crying.
4. Avoid negative experiences
Before starting the socialization process, owners must decide where to bring their furry friend. There are many parks that have sectors made especially for animals, however there may be mavericks that may prove aggressive towards newcomers.
If this happens, your dog may suffer trauma that will not allow him to be sociable in the future. And that doesn’t have to happen! Before introducing them to other animals, talk to their owners to find out how they might react. At first it would be better if you only approach dogs of the same size as you . Remember not to leave it alone for any reason.
5. Be patient
Socializing a dog is not easy. This activity requires time, dedication and a lot of patience. However, 15-20 minutes a day may be enough. Take these moments to see how your pet changes, improves and pushes its limits.
