Avoid These Dog Socialization Mistakes

So you got a new puppy and it’s super cute. It’s been fun, and you’ve mastered the pawrent basics, but now you’re wondering what you need to do to actually train and educate your furry bundle of joy.

For puppies, socialization is paramount. The younger your start, the easier it will be for your pup to grow and develop with the confidence and etiquette necessary to interact with other dogs.

This is especially important if you plan to sign your dog up for doggie daycare or boarding in the future.

Many dog owners jump right into socialization without being informed, and the results can be stressful. In this post, I’ll share some common mistakes to avoid and what to do instead.

Why is dog socialization important?

Without proper socialization, dogs can become skittish or shy, leading to aggressive behavior when meeting unfamiliar animals and people.

Or, they might become over-stimulated in certain environments like the dog park, but without social cues, they can become a dog park bully pestering other guests.

How can you get your pup on track? Start by avoiding these common socialization mistakes.

How well do you know your dog?

There has been a surge in pet adoptions recently, so this is especially important for new pawrents. Before taking your puppy to the dog park, make sure you know their personality. 

That takes quality time spent at home together, observing how your dog reacts to various sights and sounds. 

A lot of times, new pet owners assume that all dogs love the park, but in fact it can be overwhelming if one has never been there before. 

Don’t get me wrong, the dog park is great to bolster socialization, but wait until you learn what makes your pup tick. If she’s shy, scared or hyperactive, then work on improving those behaviors at home first, whether you hire a trainer or do it yourself.

Start them young

The earlier you begin socializing your dog, the quicker she’ll learn the right social cues and etiquette. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of your pup feeling insecure when meeting new dogs.

Got a puppy? Start socialization training pronto! You’re giving her the tools she needs to communicate effectively with other dogs, who use a multitude of body signals to alert other dogs about feelings.

So when you do decide to bring your pup to the dog park or doggie daycare, she will already have the basics down to make friends and have a good time.

Be patient & positive

It’s important not to force your dog to socialize with an unfamiliar dog. Let her take the lead and move at her own pace to determine how she feels and get comfortable. 

Always reinforce good behavior with positive praise, and be patient- it takes time to adjust to unfamiliar environments. 

You can always consult a trainer or sign up for a puppy kindergarten class to stay consistent and focused.