By: The Charlee Bear Staff
It’s never too late to encourage clients to socialize their pet for a happier and stress-free life! No matter how young or old, big or small, every dog can benefit from being socialized. Socialization is the process of allowing a dog to become familiar with new people, places and other animals. This process is important because if a dog is sheltered from the outside world, there’s a higher potential for them to develop anxiety and fear toward new people and surroundings. Here’s some simple steps that clients can take to socialize their dog:
1. Introduce New Smells, Sights & Sounds
Similar to how human babies use their five senses to learn more about the world around them, it’s important for dogs to do the same at a young age. Puppies are naturally curious so they’re easier to socialize, but adult dogs can be socialized as well. If a client currently has a puppy, encourage them to present their pup with sounds that may be common in their household and neighborhood such as a lawn mower, birds, car alarms, or a hair dryer. Over time, the puppy will become more acclimated to these sounds instead of fearful. Another great way to socialize a dog is to take them on walks, letting them explore different surfaces like grass and sidewalks, and sniff different scents.
2. Meet New People & Pets
The next step in socializing a dog is to present them with unfamiliar faces and animals. Clients should start this process in a space that their dog is comfortable in, such as their house or backyard. It’s also best for a dog to be introduced to one person or pet at a time so they don’t become overwhelmed. Allow the dog to sniff and interact with their new friends, making sure to reward positive reactions with verbal praise. Meeting friendly adult dogs and humans first is better since their actions are more predictable and calm. Once dogs are comfortable with fellow pets and humans, they can move on to interacting with puppies and children as the next step!
3. Reinforce Positive Behavior with Rewards
Just as with any type of dog training, it’s important to positively reinforce good behavior with rewards. Treats are a dog’s best friend, so it’s recommended that clients use a great training treat to reward their dog during the socialization process. Ones that are low calorie and offered in a variety of flavors that dogs love such as Charlee Bear Nuggets are perfect for this type of training, especially when frequent rewarding is involved. Any time a dog displays positive reactions to new environments and individuals they’re meeting, clients should reward them with a treat to boost their confidence.
4. Visit New Places
Now that the client’s pet has become more acclimated to people and animals, the final step in the socialization process is to visit new settings such as a dog park. Instead of jumping right in, clients should let their dog explore the outside of the dog park first and see if they appear comfortable. Once the dog is ready, they can enter the park, staying leashed until they’re feeling relaxed. Doggy daycare is a great final step in socialization as well, allowing a pup to form bonds with new friends!
Dog training takes time and patience, so clients shouldn’t feel discouraged if their pet isn’t immediately enthusiastic about the new people, animals, and places they’re visiting. For an adult dog, it can be harder for them to gain the confidence to explore unfamiliar territory. This is why continuous positive reinforcement with rewards like treats and verbal praise is essential! Clients should also be sure to socialize their pet consistently so they don’t return to old habits. A more comfortable and relaxed pup makes for a happier pet parent!
https://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/blog/paw-prints/step-by-step-guide-to-dog-socialization/
