Socialize Your Dog

If you live in the suburbs or rural areas you must make a more conscious effort to socialize your dog. People, who live in urban areas often, through daily living, socialize their pets. Often times they live in apartments with no access to a yard, thus they have to walk their dogs on the city streets. The hustle and bustle of the city means they get to see all kinds of people and dogs. This also means that they realize the necessity of training their dog to be a good canine citizen. On the other hand, the dog in the suburbs is often only exposed to the yard and house. The necessity to take the dog out and about doesn't exist. When these dogs do go out, they are often unruly due to lack of training and socialization. These dogs' ability to get socialized further is sometimes curbed even more due to this difficulty.

What if you're thinking that your dog is too hyper, fearful or even aggressive to take them with you. Do not give up on your dog! Basic obedience training can provide the necessary structure for your dog or puppy to be able to be socialized to new situations. It is often a matter of slowly, and progressively setting these dogs up for better success. These dogs cannot be flooded with new people or dogs. Behavior training is based on both the temperament of the individual dog and proper timing. In addition, with proper socialization, your dog will be less likely to be fearful or aggressive because they will lack the fear of the unknown. You may want to look into group training or even a private trainer if your dog needs more individualized training. Any person and their canine companion will greatly benefit from formal training.

In conclusion, taking your dog with you will not only benefit your dog but yourself as well. You will create a better bond with your dog. Quite simply, take your dog with you because you will be able to enjoy each other's company even more!

Socializing Your Dog with New Dogs

Dogs are social animals. Many enjoy meeting other dogs and it can be a great experience for the dog as well as their guardians. It is a great way to exercise your pet with another dog or playgroups of dogs. Many people and their dogs also enjoy going to dog parks. Before going to a dog park make sure your dog is well socialized. Most dogs are friendly but remember, not all personalities get along—even in dogs. When first going to a dog park it is a good idea to go when it is not crowded so your dog will be more comfortable. However, your puppy or dog should not be exposed to other dogs or areas used by other dogs until they are fully vaccinated.

There are many things to consider when having your dog meet a dog. Dogs should initially meet on neutral territory. Dogs can be territorial and may feel a new dog is intruding on their territory. They may be more confident and there is more of a chance for an aggressive reaction. When introducing your dog to another dog, make sure you initially have them both on leash. Be careful not to get the leashes tangled, which can cause the dogs to feel trapped. This may lead to a fight. When dealing with puppies there obviously is not as much risk for aggression. However, always ask the owner when introducing your dog or puppy if the other dog has been around other dogs and is friendly with them. Especially when you are initially socializing your puppy or dog, positive experiences are very important. If your dog has a bad experience they may react fearfully. The next time they meet a dog or they may even be aggressive towards dog. Make sure the dogs are getting along well before letting go of the leashes, which should only be done in a safe, enclosed area. Even if the dogs were getting along well in the beginning there is still a chance for aggression and you’ll want to watch for signs of it.

At times it can be difficult to know if dogs are playing rough or being aggressive. When dogs first meet, they generally sniff and circle each other if they have been around other dogs. Some dogs are used to playing roughly, for example, may not always take the time to do this and may jump right away on the other dog. If your dog is not used to playing with other dogs this type of dog may make your dog feel threatened because of the fast abrupt motion. Always try and initially socialize your puppy or dog with an older well-socialized, friendly dog to have positive experiences. Some dogs may try and mount each other soon after meeting. This can lead to aggression if the other dog does not accept it or if both are trying to mount each other and neither wants to give in. Watch for raised hackles, stiffening, growling or snapping. Some may sound obvious but other signs may be subtler such as stiffening of your dog’s body. The dogs may exhibit all of the signs at some point but if you are not experienced with your dog’s reactions or other dogs make sure you act on all of them. A dog’s hackles raised may just mean he is alarmed but this can also mean he is trying to look bigger and can be a sign that he will act out aggressively if he feels threatened. Do not dismiss a growl, which is a warning. Especially watch if the dog’s body stiffens. This may mean they will snap. Sometimes these signs are normal interactions between a dog and a puppy. For instance, they may be correcting them in a way that dogs understand. The growl may not be enough of a warning and this may progress to a snap or a nip. This, in most cases is a harmless and neutral interaction between dogs that are learning how to act around a particular dog. However, unless you are well versed in dog body language and interactions you may not know which is normal and what can turn into serious aggression, where, one or both dogs can be injured. When in doubt, do not take unnecessary risks and do not have your dog interact with that particular dog. A dog fight may also injure people who get involved trying to separate them. If your dog has aggression issues with other dogs please call a professional for help.