How to Socialize Your Dog

Behavioral training for your dog is more than just about making sure your pet follows commands as issued. Socialization is an important element, both with other dogs and with humans. There are many ways in which you can help your dog learn the proper socialization beyond what they will learn during obedience training.

Go for Regular Walks Exercise is critical for your dog, but it's not just about letting them run around in the backyard for a few hours every day. Instead, taking regular walks can provide a vast array of benefits, including training your pet how to act around other people and dogs you may encounter along the way. Choose a route that will give your dog plenty of exposure to both. Schedule Classes There are many obedience classes that also provide socialization for your pet. Because these classes typically bring a number of dogs together in one place, it's a great time to get your dog used to being around other dogs and people too. Start at the Right Age When you bring a puppy home, there's a lot you have to worry about at the start. You need to make sure they are potty trained and get them used to the members of your family, as well as your home. It can be easy to forget about socializing them until they are beyond the ideal age. To get the best results, begin socializing your puppy between the ages of three and 12 weeks. If you wait until your puppy is older than 18 weeks, it is often more difficult to successfully achieve this goal. Always Observe Never leave two dogs alone, especially if they don't know each other. This is particularly true if you are dealing with dogs of varying sizes or if children are present. Always supervise any social interactions to ensure all of the dogs and people involved are safe.

If you need more help, contact us today! We want your dog to learn in the fastest and easiest way possible, whether it's with a ball, toy, food, or just good old fashion love, Action K9 will pinpoint that motivation and help you and your dog succeed in the training process!