How to introduce your puppy to other dogs
Follow these steps to help ensure your puppy makes friends when they meet other dogs for the first time.
It’s important for your puppy to meet a variety of different dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages. Playing with pooches helps their development. It enables them to understand other dogs’ body language and learn how to behave with them. Positive experiences will prepare your pup to cope when they encounter dogs in adulthood. If they miss out on this, they may find it difficult to be around other dogs as they get older.
Some may be wary or nervous as they get closer to other dogs for the first time. While others may feel very excited. Start by getting them used to the sights, sounds and smells of other dogs from a distance. Then you can start to step a little closer and allow them to interact. Once you have done this they can start playing together too.
Remember, always go at your dog’s pace. If at any point they seem unsure or overwhelmed, go back to a stage where they were relaxed. Then progress more slowly.
Top tip: Your pup needs to have had their full vaccination course before leaving the house to exercise and meet other dogs. But, you can start socialising puppies before their vaccinations. This doesn’t just mean introducing them to other dogs. It’s the time when they learn about life and what is safe and normal. You can do this by carrying them outside to start to introduce them to the sights, sounds and smells of the world. This will prepare your puppy for when they can walk outside on their own four paws and start to meet other dogs.
How to introduce dogs to doggy day care
Whether you’re heading into the office or are getting away for the weekend, occasionally we might need someone to look after our pooch. Your pup should already have started to walk and play with other dogs before they go. However, this is a good opportunity for them to spend time with others.
Whether you are looking for a dog walker or doggy day care, you need to check they have:
- relevant insurance
- the necessary training and experience
- good reviews
- appropriate equipment
- a contract and schedule
- reward-based methods.
Once you have found the right one, make sure you meet up. That way, your pooch can get to know them and you can tell them everything they need to know about your pup. You may want to go for a walk together first. Then, you could do a trial to make sure it’s the right fit, perhaps one walk or one afternoon – and go from there.
Now you are ready to start socialising your puppy and can look forward to watching them play with their new friends. But, your dog doesn’t just socialise with four-legged friends, you need to get them used to humans too. Make sure you prepare them for visitors as well.
Are you looking for puppy classes to help introduce your pup to other dogs? Then take a look at our Dog School classes. Here your pooch will have the opportunity to meet, and learn how to interact, with furry friends.
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