It’s not just us who need a night on the town to recharge with our friends. Dogs and puppies in particular need their owners to actively socialise their dogs to make sure that they develop well. It means that they will gain confidence, develop good behaviour, and reduce their fear and anxiety.
Summer is a great chance to socialise your puppy or even more mature dog with lots of outings. Summer is a time to be in nature, which is always perfect for bringing your pup along. So how can you make the most of it? We explore making the most of summer outings to socialise your puppy.
Preparing for Outings
Before we start letting our dogs roam free in the big bad world, we should get them ready for it. Make sure your puppy is up-to-date on vaccinations so that there are no consequences of getting too close or getting into nature. And for now, keep your untrained, child dog on a leash. If you can’t recall them, they should be on a leash. We at Pawsitive Solutions can help you with socialising your dog and train your puppy/dog so that they respond every time you call them.
Remember to introduce new experiences gradually. Start small and close to home so that you’re nearby if they get distressed. And don’t start somewhere with dogs at every turn.
Types of Outings
So, where do you start? Well, the basic answer is with a walk around the block, but when you are past that point and are looking for new ideas for socialising your dog, you might consider any of these ideas.
The next step would be a long walk in a country park. Pick your day or location wisely, since they can be packed with dogs and walkers on a good day, which might be a little overwhelming. You might want to then mix in some outdoor events like farmer’s markets and country shows
You can also go to some pet-friendly stores or some cafes and restaurants with patios or visit with friends and family who have dogs to expose them to more people and dogs.
Finally, you might consider a doggy daycare to let them run around with other dogs and learn how to interact. Organised dog walks or having your dog go out in a pack with a dog walker are all good ways to help with socialisation. Dogs are by far the best teachers of dogs You’re bound to see an increase in confidence.
Allow your puppy, rescue or new dog to go at their own pace. Don’t drag them around the park, give them time to explore the sights and smells they want to. If they are feeling brave enough to approach someone or another dog, as long as the other party is okay with it, allow them to have a nosey, so that they can learn that there is no danger. Try to keep the leash fairly loose A tight leash can restrain a dog and cause anxiety.
Safety Considerations
However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be aware. Watch your puppy/dog’s behaviour with the dogs they come across while socialising your dog. Watch for signs of stress or overstimulation so that you don’t run into trouble on a walk.
Also, In the high temperatures of the summer, keep in mind to protect them from heat exhaustion, Always have water on hand, and keep them off the hot pavement. Dogs can easily burn their pads on very hot days Try the bare foot test If you find the pavement too hot for your unprotected feet chances are your dog will feel it as well.
Conclusion
Socialising your dog is an ongoing process, not a one-time event, so don’t assume that once they’re toilet-trained, you’re done. The effort will pay off when you have a well-adjusted, confident adult dog. If you need some help, contact Lorna at Pawsitive Solutions for advice on how to train your puppy or mature dog