A well-socialized dog tends to be a happier, more behaved dog. Putting your dog in situations that expose them to new people and dogs will help build up their socialization skills. Here are a few reasons why, as a pet parent, you should be socializing your pooch.
It Makes Change Easier to Handle
Dogs who haven’t been given many opportunities to socialize tend to be much more anxious when confronted with change or new situations and circumstances. Meeting new people and going to new places will only create fear in a dog that hasn’t been socialized enough. Starting at a young age, you should be taking your furry friend to dog parks, public parks, nature trails, or pet-friendly patio restaurants to expose them to new people, places, and animals.
It Helps Promote a Happy & Healthy Life
A well-socialized dog is able to play, interact, and exercise with other canines. These interactions aren’t only beneficial for their physical health but can also do wonders for their mental health. The phrase “a tired dog is a good dog” is absolutely correct and can be achieved much more quickly through socialization. With little to no socialization, a pooch will be so focused on the stress of an encounter that they won’t be able to have fun (or burn their energy while doing it).
It Builds Fido’s Confidence
When you socialize your furry friend, you’re helping build new, good behaviors that will help them in becoming a healthy, well-rounded pooch. With each further interaction brings positive experiences and reinforcements that are sure to help build up your pup’s confidence. These new interactions don’t always have to be grand, either. Socialization can be built up by merely having new friends come to meet and play with your pup.
They Can Make Dog BFFs
Socializing by playing with other pups can help your canine build bonds with other furry friends. Dogs have actually been known to make doggy best friends, whom they remember and get excited to see. This not only makes a happy pooch but a happy pet parent as well.
There are so many different ways that you can build up your dog’s social skills. And in effect, you’ll be building up their confidence and health as well.
