Following on from my previous article about how to train your dog to accept other dogs and people, here’s some more tips to help you integrate your dog with sociaety:
Pick The Right Playmate
Most dogs love to play with other dogs. But make sure you pick the right playmate. When you introduce your dog to others, watch them play. If they are a good match, neither dog will become overly aroused or anxious.
Signs of an anxious dog include trembling, sweaty paw pads, tense muscles, tense mouth, dilated pupils, drooling, running away, hiding, and repetitive behaviors like whining or licking. When an anxious dog barks, it’s likely to be higher pitched.
An aroused dog might have raised hackles, pricked ears, or an erect tail (or some combination). An aroused dog might also bark or growl.
Don’t Overdo Playtime
Have you ever stayed at a party too long – and instead of being fun, it started to feel stressful? Sometimes dogs can also have too much of a good thing. Even if your dog loves to play with his doggy buddies, don’t overdo it. This is especially important if your dog tends to become overly excited or aroused. A good rule of thumb: end playtime while your dog is still having fun.
Manage The People, Too
Sometimes, to keep your dog comfortable around people, you have to train the people.
For instance, never let a person frighten your dog. If you have company come to your house, don’t let people crowd your dog, or force him to have contact with them, if he shows signs of being anxious about it.
When you are out on walks, don’t let strangers approach your dog inappropriately. Make sure they understand your rules for how your dog is approached and petted. If your rule is that people should only pet your dog on the head, for example, communicate that to people so that someone doesn’t grab your dog in a hug.
If You Think It’s Aggression – Get Help
Most of the time, we’re able to handle dog training ourselves. But sometimes we should consult an experienced professional. In particular, if your dog is showing aggression toward people (for example, snapping, nipping, or baring her teeth), you should consult a behaviorist or professional trainer.
Many dogs will occasionally exhibit some of these behaviors toward other dogs. It can be a useful way for dogs to communicate – a way of saying, “Hey, give me my space.”
But sometimes, dogs learn to use these behaviors inappropriately. If you have concerns, getting a second opinion from a professional can help you better understand your dog’s behavior.