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How to Make Your Dog Friendlier
- 25/08/2016
Everyone wants a friendly dog, who they can take places and introduce to many people. Having an aggressive dog can cause a whole sort of problems, including the possibility of bites. While it is difficult to force a change in personality, there are ways to help your dog become friendlier.
The best time to teach good socialization skills is when the dog is a young puppy. Puppies are sensitive to their environment and interactions with humans. Having plenty of positive encounters with a variety of people can directly influence their temperament towards humans as an adult dog. This is why it is crucial to make these early experiences great.
Here are some ways to work towards a friendlier dog.
1. Invite Plenty of People Over
If your puppy is quite young, you have to be cautious about taking your dog to too many places. There is an increased chance of exposure to diseases. Instead, invite your friends and family over on a regular basis. Encourage them to bring their dogs with them, so long as their dogs are friendly as well. This gets your dog used to people and other animals joining together in their home.
2. Enroll Your Dog in Obedience Classes
As soon as they are old enough, enroll your dog in an obedience class or doggy kindergarten classes. In the obedience classes, your dog will learn some commands and how to listen to you properly.
The doggy kindergarten classes are different; they give your dog plenty of off the leash time with other dogs around the same age. Young dogs love to play and interact, so this is a great way for them to have fun and to learn how to be social.
3. Go to the Dog Park
More and more towns are making lovely dog parks for their residents’ dogs. Take advantage of these opportunities, and bring your dog to a dog park at least once a week. While this is important as a young dog, it is also crucial for older dogs as well. Even if they are very friendly as a puppy, you want to encourage this friendliness through continued exposure with other dogs and humans. Give them plenty of opportunities to interact.
4. Take Your Dog on Frequent Walks
It is a common trend with dog owners. They start off giving their dogs plenty of interaction and walks, but, over time, these chances of interaction and walks decrease. The owners may be distracted by new babies or other issues in life.
While it is understandable, it can lead to an aggressive dog. If you find it difficult to make time for walks, either hire a dog walker or schedule the walks in your to-do list. Making it a part of your daily routine will make finding the time easier.
5. Understand the Difference between Puppy Interaction and Older Dog Interaction
Socializing puppies and socializing older dogs (after the age of one) are two different things. Most socially mature dogs prefer not to be in a large group of new dogs. This can make them feel unnerved. This makes them try to avoid the other dogs and stand closer to their human.
Your goal shouldn’t be, for mature dogs, to make them play nicely. Instead, focus on teaching them to behave calmly while in public. Take treats along with you on walks and to the park. If your dog sits quietly and responds to his name while other dogs pass by, reward him for his great behavior. Don’t try to make your dog interact with all the other dogs.
Socializing your dog, whether young or old, is a great thing, so long as your dog finds it enjoyable. Give them the opportunities to shine and to be friendly. Remember to praise them for their great behavior.
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