Socializing your dog with other dogs is tricky! If you don’t do it right, you could be speeding down the road to your vet hospital to have them stitched up and an expensive trip to a behaviorist. It isn’t rocket science, but there are some common mistakes that people make that set their dogs up for failure and put them at risk!
Here Are the Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Socializing Their Dog:
1. You Don’t Know Your Dog
I know that sounds silly, but you would be surprised how many people get a new dog, and after a few days, take them to the dog park. The problem is that not all dogs know how to socialize and play with other dogs and even fewer dogs enjoy playing in large groups.
Some people are social with everyone, and some people are quieter and prefer a few close friends. Get to know which your dog is, before turning them loose with other dogs.
2. Your Dog is Giving Mixed Signals
I can’t tell you how many people tell me how much their dog typically likes ALL dogs, except for the exception and then the dog is a “monster”. On occasion, these owners admit that their dog has sent a dog or two to the vet. Yet, they are adamant that their dog LOVES the dog park and gets along with most dogs.
If your dog is giving ANY mixed signals, GET THEM OUT OF THERE! Take the information your dog is giving you seriously and, if it happens more than once, chances are this situation is causing more harm than good, and your dog is learning bad behavior, or being traumatized.
Even though your dog can’t talk and tell you how they are feeling, they are showing you through body language and other signals!
Please LISTEN TO YOUR DOG!!
If they are giving you mixed signals, they may not be comfortable all of the time, and perhaps you should find another way to get out energy.
3. You Force Your Dog
I can’t make it any more clear… not all dogs want to play with other dogs. Some simply were never socialized, others may have had bad experiences. Some of us are just introverted and don’t like other people in our faces.
Start by finding ONE dog that you know likes other dogs and work from there!
4. You Don’t Know the Other Dog
Dog parks are scary places! Just like I mentioned before, too many people are taking dogs that they know are aggressive and have had numerous bites. And, if that is not bad enough, the rest seem to just release their dog and never look up from their phone again.
Dog parks can be great places, but always be aware! Watch how the other dogs and owners are interacting before even getting your dog out of the car. If you see something you are uncomfortable with try a walk or another location for that day!
If you want your dog to socialize and play with another dog, the best way is to find a friend or family member that has a social dog. Just be sure to supervise!
5. Your Dog is Not a “Bad Dog”!
Dogs don’t have to be social with other dogs to be good pets. So many people think that they are bad owners, or their dogs are bad if the dog doesn’t PLAY with other dogs.
NOT ALL DOGS WANT TO PLAY!
We shouldn’t force dogs that don’t want to play, to play. Instead, we can teach our dogs to behave appropriately with other dogs by not engaging them and focusing on us.
Let your dog be who they are, if they want to play with other dogs, let them. If they don’t want to, don’t force them. It’s pretty simple.
It is better to have a dog that is well behaved and respectful than a playful dog!