‘Party Animals’: Why Your Dog Needs a Social Life, Too

Just like us, our pets need to socialise with others of their own species. If we think about the social species of wolves they have evolved from, it is only natural that our domesticated dogs need a healthy dose of interaction with their own species to be properly stimulated and accustomed to dealing with new situations.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, many people bought dogs as they were spending more time at home; while this meant that the pups could have maximum human attention, lockdown meant that most didn’t get used to meeting other dogs at an early age, which makes it a scary and unknown thing. Read on to find out reasons why it is so important to encourage your dog to socialise.

Under-socialised Dogs May Display Aggressive Behaviour

If dogs are not accustomed properly to meeting new dogs, and people, they may display some signs of aggression such as growling, barking, and lunging. This is because they don’t know how to react properly to unfamiliar situations. Taking them for walks could be stressful for them, and for you, if they become unsettled and worked up.

If you suspect that your dog is not well-socialised, you can train them to react better to strangers and other dogs by encouraging them and rewarding them with plenty of treats. Positive reinforcement is key to shifting their behaviour.

Playing Can Help Them Release Energy

We all know that dogs have a lot of energy, and need regular walks and exercise; playing with other dogs is fun and tires them out. Taking your dog on walks to busy places with dogs can be fun for them, and better exercise than simply walking with you. However, use your own judgement, and don’t force your dog to play with others if they are not used to it, as this may cause distress. If you think another dog is being aggressive towards your pet, lead your dog away to avoid any harm. Just like humans, not all dogs are going to like each other.

Socialised Dogs Handle Things Better

If your pet is sometimes unpredictable, for example when going for their dog vaccinations, perhaps it is a sign that they need some more social interaction. Socialisation teaches dogs how to deal with unfamiliar situations such as going to the vet, which as any pet owner knows can be stressful. It’s important, then, to make sure that your dog is well-equipped to cope with deviations from their normal routine.

Need Advice on Helping Your Dog to Socialise?

If you’re not sure about where to start in helping your pet to socialise with others or need some guidance, your veterinarian should be the first port of call. Here at Market Cross Veterinary Clinic, our expert vets can give you specific tips and tricks to help you and your pet acclimatise to new stimuli and reduce the likelihood of unwanted behavioural issues!

Contact us today to see what our vets recommend to your dog for a happier and healthier life.