4 Ways to Socialize Your Dog

Socializing your dog is important and possible at any stage in their life. Whether they
are old or young, socializing your dog means you can trust them around visitors to your
home. This is especially helpful when you hire a Scoop Pros to handle your pups
business with our pooper scooper service. While we do ask that your dog be in a
separate area while we clean up, we always enjoy meeting our furry friends as we get to
know them and they get to know us. Here are five quick ways to help socialize your
dog.

Tip 1: Go for Walks
Walks are a simple way to socialize your dog. Not only are walks great exercise for you
and your dog, but you can socialize your dog while you are out. Walks introduce your
dog to sights, smells, neighbors, and other animals in a controlled environment with you
there to help them feel comfortable. If the worst happens and your pup is not up for
socializing while you are out, you simply turn around and go home, and try again
another day.

Tip 2: Help Fido make friends
Introduce your dog to other socialized dogs, preferably older dogs. Meet up with friends
to arrange a doggy play date and take a walk together. Walks out in the open are a
relaxing activity and you can allow extra space between your dog and his friends if
needed. If the walk goes well, allow the dogs to meet each other in closer proximity and
schedule another date to walk together.

Tip 3: Introduce Your Dog to Other Adults
Introducing your dog to human friends is just as important as introducing them to furry
ones. Treats help! When friends come to visit, let them give Fido a treat as they meet
them. Asking your pup to sit while they meet new adults helps put the adult at ease and
lets your dog know that they need to pay attention and still obey commands. Inviting
more than one friend over is also helpful. As your dog gets more comfortable around
new people, you can slowly introduce them to groups of friends. Groups of people can
be a distraction for dogs, but introducing them slowly and making sure they are still able
to follow basic commands is important for safety and for ease of visiting with friends.

Tip 4: Visit Dog Parks
Once you are confident that your dog can follow basic commands and follow your
directions, venture out to a dog park. Allow your dog to meet new people and new dogs
of all sizes and personalities by taking them to a dog park, or several. They can explore
the sights and sounds with you there to monitor their behavior and you can make new
friends as well.
Socializing your dog takes a little work on your part but it is well worth the effort in
exchange for the piece of mind. Be confident that your dog will behave around new
friends, the furry ones and the human ones.