Meeting people is never easy, but it’s even more complicated when trying to find friends for you and your dog. It’s good for your four-legged pal to interact with members of their species, but everyone has to get along.
If it’s love at first sight for the canines, but you don’t get along with the owner, that will be a boring playdate for the humans. And it’s just as bad if you’re friends with someone, but the dogs spend the entire time barking and growling — or just have very different energy levels.
Still, just like dating, you can’t give up because it’s difficult, so here are several ways you can make doggy acquaintances and eventually find a few great friends for your dogs and you.
Tips for Socializing a Dog
Do you have a dog that seems anxious or stressed out when around other dogs? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Some pups are naturally shy and tend to avoid socializing with other canines. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help your faithful friend feel more comfortable when interacting with other animals and humans.
Head to the Dog Park
This one should be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning for the same reason you’d tell a friend to head to a bar to meet someone — generally speaking, the dogs (and people) who frequent dog parks play nicely and may be interested in hanging out. Plus, you see the dogs interact in a safe environment and get a built-in conversation starter.
Go for a Walk
On a walk around the neighborhood, you and your pup can meet new people and explore what surrounds your community. Seeing new surroundings allows your dog to grow socially and bolsters friendliness rather than encouraging fearfulness.
Take a Class
Obedience classes and other dog training workshops are great places to meet other owners and pups who may be interested in spending more time with you. Even better, you’ll get a sense of the other dogs’ owners throughout the class and pick out the ones you’re interested in approaching.
Understand Your Dog's Cues
Remember that it’s essential for your pup’s interactions with another dog to be long enough so they can get acquainted, but not too much. Also, learn to read your pup’s body language, and the body position can often tell you a little about how they feel.
Go to the Pet Store
Dogs have to eat. While most owners don’t bring their dogs to the pet store all the time, many do it, at least from time to time, so there’s a definite opportunity here to meet people and their pups. Of all the options, though, this is probably the least natural because most people going to the pet store aren’t looking to talk and hang out — they simply want to pick up what their dog needs and get home.
Stay Positive
One of the most important things to remember when training your dog for socialization is to have patience. It could take time for your furry friend to master all the new concepts, and it’s important not to get frustrated or angry. Dogs have a keen sense of when their owners feel negative emotions, making training more difficult. Instead, focus on staying positive and encouraging your pup with lots of treats and praise. With time and patience, you’ll be amazed at how much progress your dog can make.
Join a Rescue
Want to meet other people who love and have dogs? Rescue or different types of dog volunteer organizations can be an excellent way to meet like-minded people in an environment conducive to getting to know each other. Just be careful about the canine part of this equation. While most rescue dogs are entirely harmless, some may suffer from behavioral problems due to the challenging life they’ve led, and you need to know what you’re getting your dog into.
Give Variety
One of the best things you can do for your dog is to socialize them early on. This means exposing them to different types of people and dogs in various settings. The key is to mix things up – you don’t want your pup to only be comfortable around one type of person or dog. It’s also important to expose them to different places – indoor spaces, outdoor spaces, busy places, quiet places, etc. And finally, mix up the times of the day. Dogs who are only used to being around people during the daytime may get fearful or anxious when they encounter someone at night. By socializing your dog early and often, you’ll help them to become a well-rounded, confident dog who can handle anything that comes their way.
Proceed with Caution
The first thing you want to ensure when facilitating a meet and greet with an unfamiliar animal is their mood. If they’re not friendly, don’t do it! Also, know how to read discomfort caution signs your furry friend displays, things like heavy breathing, tail between the legs, or yawning. However, it’s a good idea to remember the more often you encourage meeting new friends, the easier it will get for your furry friend.
Benefits of Socializing Your Dog
As any dog owner knows, socializing with your pet is integral to owning a dog. A well-socialized dog is easier to handle and typically has less anxiety and reduced aggression towards other dogs and people. Socialization helps your dog to understand that humans and other animals are not a threat and that there are appropriate ways to interact with them. In addition, socializing your dog can make trips to the groomer easier, as your dog will be more comfortable around other animals and unfamiliar people. Ultimately, having your dog interact with other animals and humans benefits you and your pet and is essential to responsible dog ownership.
- Less Risk of Running Away
- Less Stressful Vet Visits
- Grooming is Easier
- Fear and Anxiety Reduced
- More Exercise
- Traveling is Easier
Signs You Need to Socialize Your Older Dog
The downside to socializing an adult dog is that they are more hesitant and reserved than puppies. They don’t want new experiences, so you must work to make a senior dog more socialized. If you have an older pup, below are some indications that you will need to do socialization training.
- Shy around people and other dogs
- Overly happy or cause apprehension in people or pets
- They're skittish around people or other animals
- Apprehensive on walks
- The hair on their backs raises when another person comes near
Are there other places you can think of to make doggy friends? Where have you made your “dog” friends?
