Dogs Should Be Dogs

It’s easy to turn your dog into a family member and forget that despite her froo-froo dress up clothes and the fact she sleeps on your bed and sometimes shares your food, she’s still a dog. But it’s important for her emotional well-being to make an effort to let her be a dog, especially when it comes to socializing with other members of the species.

Too often we bring home a new dog and welcome the puppy as a member of the family. But then the dog becomes a fixture of the home, and rarely sees people outside of the family except for the vet and groomer. Even though the dog connects with visitors who come to our home, their well-being requires that they mix with others dogs in an environment outside of your home.

Why? Because chances are good that at sometime in her life she will have the opportunity to be around other dogs and it’s much easier on her and you if she recognizes them as potential playmates and friends, rather than fearing them and possibly reacting aggressively.

Teaching your new puppy to make friends is not a difficult task, but you should wait until she has had all of her shots before taking the walk on the canine side. A young puppy may get overly excited at the prospect of making a new friend and her playful nature can go too far. The puppy is still too young discern the difference between our acquaintances and total strangers.

If your community has one, a dog park is the best place to introduce your puppy to the world. Many dog parks have separate areas for puppies or small dogs. Talk to dog owners and see which dogs are most likely to accept your pup’s attempts at making friends, or find another puppy owner and let your little ones play. If your dog gets along especially well with another dog there, then talk to the owner about arranging future play dates for your pets.

If you don’t have a dog park in your area, look for local parks, paths, or even pet shops to take a stroll. But regardless of the venue, don’t leave the leash at home. Some dogs don’t take kindly to the leash, although pups tend to be more accepting. Although it’s tempting to rush in for a pet, always ask permission before going up to another person’s dog.

Use these same guidelines for grown dogs as well. If your older pet gets too excited around strangers, then reconsider the dog park plan. You might be better off trying a canine day care center or kennel that can offer supervised social interactions for Rover. Look for a center that can train your dog to get over his apprehension. If you believe that his aggression has escalated to the point where he could cause someone harm, consider finding a qualified teacher to work with your dog.

You will discover that this extra effort will pay big dividends when your dog is in the presence of others. This is a must if you plan to bring home another puppy, ensuring that the new member of your family is welcomed by all.

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