Harvest Season Safety Tips
October 31, 2017Health & Happiness in the New Year
December 27, 2017The holidays are in full swing and so are celebrations! Whether spending time with family or venturing out with friends to toast the season, there’s a good chance get-togethers and dinner parties are filling your calendar. If you’re a dog owner, it’s important to remember that pets may not be as excited for new faces and new animals as we are. With the whirlwind of festive events don’t forget to take care of your pup by ensuring their safety and the safety of others this holiday season! Check out info and tips below on the importance of socialization and how to handle large groups during the holidays.
Socialization is a vital part of raising a good-natured pup, and should good social habits should be incorporated into a dog’s life at a young age. However, if you’ve welcomed a rescue or any type of older dog into your family it’s still important to teach them basic socialization skills.
Socializing puppies
A well-socialized dog begins with a well socialized puppy. If the puppy has all the proper shots and is healthy it’s great to begin teaching them to be social at six weeks of age. Introduce your pup to a wide variety people, beginning with those who are comfortable around animals and welcome them into their home. Use the same logic when introducing puppies to other dogs, ensuring that the other animals are themselves socialized and kind and that the owners are comfortable with the play date. Gradually build on intimate meetings with people and pets and graduate your puppy to larger and more densely populated events.
Socializing mature dogs
Dogs are at their most receptive between 3 – 8 weeks old, but if you’re the proud owner of a rescue or older pet teaching socialization can begin at any age. Older dogs can be trickier to educate on canine and human etiquette, but with dedication and love chances are they’ll become acclimated. A good way to begin is to take your dog for daily walks, with a gentle leader or muzzle if necessary. Always communicate with other people and pet owners to ensure they understand the dog is in training, and if their behavior is extreme don’t hesitate to enroll them in obedience classes.
Safety first
At It’s A Dog’s World, socialization and obedience training are areas of expertise. If there’s any apprehension or doubt about your pet’s ability to socialize at any age, incorporating professional support can yield great rewards. With training, proper exercise and commitment, your dog will have a great shot at becoming a well socialized pet!
For more information about socialization and to book a free consultation visit www.ItsADogsWorld.com.