Ways To Socialize Your Dog
A new canine family member, whether a puppy or an adult, may not know how to interact with other dogs right away—especially if they’re a rescue. Your dog should learn how to love you and your family, but you should also teach them how to make dog friends, too. Finding new ways to socialize your dog can help you meet members of your community.
Visit the Dog Park
Dog parks are all over cities and suburbs—you just need to find them. Find a dog park to visit on a nice day and take your furry friend to meet some new people and dogs. You may want to keep your dog on a leash before letting them play with other dogs. Try mixing it up sometimes by going to different dog parks to meet different pet pairs. If your pup makes a new friend, set up a playdate with the owner after you leave the park.
Walk to New Places
Try taking your dog to new places to have them socialize with humans and animals. Teach your puppy how to say hello to other dogs while on a leash by keeping them a safe distance from the other dog—with the owner’s consent. Find a store that sells dog treats to give your canine companion a special surprise while out and about.
Take Your Dog to Daycare or Boarding
Much like how a child would meet new friends at school, your dog can meet new friends at daycare or dog boarding facilities. Find a cage-free dog boarding service that provides each animal with plenty of supervised playtimes. Professional dog experts can make sure that your puppy makes new friends in a safe environment, whether they’re at daycare or taking a vacation for a few days.
If you have a busy schedule, letting your dog socialize at daycare might be your best option among the ways to socialize your dog—but getting outside and meeting new dog owners can be a refreshing break as well!