Some dog parents tend to forget that socializing your dog is still important even long beyond the puppy years. However, it is absolutely crucial if your dog is still young. Today, we’re going to discuss some of the most important reasons that everyone should properly socialize their dogs and puppies.
A Well-socialized Dog Is Less Likely To Be Anxious Or Aggressive Around People
Dogs that are aggressive are a big problem. Nobody wants to cross paths with an animal that may bite or attack. And it’s embarrassing when an anxious dog runs from company or neighbors because he or she is too scared of people.
Exposing your dog to lots of people at a young age will help them get accustomed to strangers and a variety of sights and sounds. Make sure especially to socialize them with children, as many dogs have problems with being aggressive and fearful of kids. With regular contact from people, your dog will grow to be more relaxed.
Dogs Should Also Be Socialized With Other Dogs
When you’re walking your dog down the street and another canine crosses your path, you don’t want your dog to lunge after them or be afraid. Socializing your dog is also about exposing them to other dogs, too.
If you have a young pup, you should take the opportunity to enroll them in a puppy training class. This way, they will be exposed to many other dogs while also learning basic obedience principles during the class. Dog parks can also be a good way to keep your dog well socialized with other dogs when he or she is older.
A Well Socialized Dog Is Better Behaved At The Vet
Dog parents of aggressive or fearful dogs often hesitate to take them to the veterinarian as often as they should due to their dogs’ behavior. Socialization at a young age and continued throughout life will make it easier for your vet to examine your dog, give them vaccines, and give them other routine medical care without having to muzzle the dog in order to prevent injury. Your dog will also be less stressed overall at the vet if it is not fearful of other humans or dogs it may come in contact with.
You Also May Want Your Dog To Behave Well At The Groomer’s, Too
A well socialized dog can more easily go to the groomers – which can make your life easier if you move, don’t want the groomer to come to you, or don’t want your pup to get accidently injured because they wiggle too much.
Do you own a pup who will grow up to need monthly hair trimmings? Or maybe you just want them to be able to cooperate to have their nails clipped on a regular basis. Without regular socializing, it is extremely difficult to expect your dog to behave reasonably well for the groomer.
If you have a breed of dog that will need to have regular grooming done at a professional groomer, then it is important to have them started early. By being handled by groomers at an early age and exposed to clippers, nail trimmers, and other tools that can be scary to an unsocialized pup, you will improve the quality of grooming experiences they will have later in life.
You’re Less Likely To Lose A Well-Socialized Dog
While no one wants to believe that their dog could become a runaway, accidents do happen. Maybe your pup slipped out the door when a guest came in or found his way under the fence. Either way, you will probably be reliant on a kind Samaritan to find your dog and return them to you. But how can a well-meaning stranger even approach or catch your dog in the first place if your beloved pet is scared of people? Socializing your dog increases the chances that he or she will make it back home to you in the event that they go missing from home.
A Well-Socialized Dog Can Go Almost Anywhere
A poorly socialized pup may miss out on opportunities to go to dog parks, beaches, friend’s houses, boarding kennels, pet stores, and more. It is up to you to make sure that your dog is well-socialized so they don’t live a restricted life of being cooped up in the house or chained out in the backyard forever. Start socialization young to open up a whole wide world of opportunities for you and your pup.
Abby Drexler is a contributing writer and media specialist for Pop Your Pup. She regularly produces content for a variety of pet blogs dealing with how to care for and love your pet.
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/K8JxScoZb4A
https://unsplash.com/photos/hjzs2nA4y-k
Did you find this city dog content helpful? Share it with a friend or link it to social media. Enjoy short clips of silly dogs? Best dog training videos? Holistic puppy training tips? Follow us on instagram @nydognanny or on YouTube at nydognanny. Have some news you needs to get to dog and cat parents stat? Email info@newyorkdognanny.com with your article pitch.
