If you lived in solitude in the Himalayas, you’d think socializing your pet would not be necessary, but, with the amount of people scaling those mountains, you are bound to come in contact with human beings and four legged companions.
So what is socializing? Well, exposing your pets to people, other animals and the world around them is termed socializing. If done in time, properly and with the right trainer, you will have confident, happy and social pets.
99% of dog owners do not have the privilege of owning their pet from the day it is delivered. 45 days after birth is the earliest that they can adopt it.
Animals like human beings too have their own personalities, and their experiences with their mother, siblings, breeder and adopter shapes the way they react to various situations.
Your main aim in socializing your pets is for them to have good and positive memories and associations with most people and things that they encounter. This can be done by introducing your pet to new things, in small doses, at the right time, and with the right people.
Pick the right trainer. This is a very important factor because the trainer helps you communicate effectively as well as bond with your pet in the most positive way.
You need to learn how to send the right signals using your own body language and recognize the signals that your pet sends out as well.
Take fearful behavior for instance. You have to be able to read the signs and learn how to deal with it.
Once you master the training and get it right, it will allow your pet to form good habits and a positive approach. Half your battle is won and you will be able to avoid destructive and negative behavioural issues.
Your pets should be exposed to new and different people, including men, women and children of various ages, with varied body structures. Avoid very young children.
You will be able to note if they are intimidated by a particular person. Their negative feelings should be tackled wisely during this critical time.
In other words they should be taught to socialize with that person as well. They should be able to trust and build a rapport with almost everyone they encounter.
Get your pets to interact happily with other pets. There will be times where you will be with other pet parents at events that you cannot avoid. If your pet creates a ruckus, that will be the last time you receive an invite to any pet social.
Socialize them with other friendly, healthy and vaccinated pets. You can taken them to do so in your own home, in others homes or in the outdoors. If your pet can communicate and interact effectively, it will keep fear, and aggression at bay.
Last but not least, expose your pet to the environment around it. There are various modes of transport, sounds and sights that they need to get used to. The sounds of a train going by near your home, noisy traffic, kids playing outside, a vaccum cleaner.
Unexpected and loud sounds can be scary but you can reassure them of your presence and of their safety. Associate what scares your pet, and not the behavior, with treats and praise. It will also encourage them to socialize with unfamiliar objects in a positive manner.
Socializing your pet is essential and should not be ignored or taken for granted. It should be a happy experience for both of you. In the long run, a happy and well behaved pet is a lifelong joy and a pleasure to have for everyone in the family.
The Peppy Paws Pet Resort organizes regular Dog Socialization Sessions in Pune. To find out about our latest dog socialization event, please call Priya Poduval / Roshan Poduval at 8805989128 / 9.
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