Is Doggy Daycare Good for Socialization?

Not only are we huge dog fans here at The Dog Retreat, we also do our best to educate and inform ourselves and each other on tips for our customers. One of the most common topics to come up is how to socialize young dogs, as many dog owners have concerns that their dog may be aggressive or anxious. We believe that socializing your dog is one of the most important things you can do for them, and encourage it before you bring them in for dog boarding in Middlesex County.

Anti-social dogs are manageable, and can be quickly separated into their own environment to calm them down. Although this isn’t the ideal situation, as many people send their dog to daycare for the social aspect. By socializing your dog, especially while they’re young, you’re giving them the tools they need to live a happy and fulfilled life.

Here are some tips on how to socialize your dog before you start bringing them to daycare.

Dog Boarding in Middlesex County

For some dog owners, this is a no-brainer, as they understand that a dog gets more than exercise when out on a walk. Although, it must be said that many dogs don’t get sufficient exercise, with 25-30% of dogs in North America suffering from obesity (source). So be sure that your dog is getting a walk at least once a day, even if you have to pay someone to do it.

1 – How You Walk Matters

Simply dragging your dog begrudgingly around the block does not constitute in their mind a satisfying walk. When walking your dog, you need to be firm but kind, giving them time to sniff, lick, nuzzle, urinate, and defecate when they want. Although this does not mean that a mile long walk should take an hour, find a middle ground between walking your dog and your dog walking you.

Walking your dog appropriately can provide them familiarity with the sights, smells, and sounds of your area which can help make them feel comfortable with neighbors and postal workers.

2 – Expose Them to a Variety of People

Introducing your dog to a variety of people can help them to understand that no particular skin color or fashion is a threat to them. Often when dogs growl at people, it is because they feel threatened and want to protect their owner and home. By taking your dog around your neighborhood and letting all manner of people say hello to them they can start building a database of the kinds of people who aren’t a threat. Also ensure that these interactions are positive, and if your dog becomes scared then show them that you are confident and calm.

3 – How You Let Them Interact Matters

Letting a young puppy jump on every person that stops to say hello is unacceptable, as some people have rational fears of dogs from bad experiences in the past. There are certain things which are important to have or do when you’re introducing your dog to people:

• Have plenty of treats to encourage good behavior
• Tell people to let your dog sniff them before patting them, and tell them to keep their hands where their dog can see (like on their chest or chin).
• Teach them to sit calmly after greeting to give you a chance to speak with people

You can also enlist a professional dog walker to help you learn these things first hand, and to introduce your pup to the idea of other authoritative caregivers.

4 – Time of their Season

Timing is key when socializing your dogs, many experts believe that between the ages of 3 weeks and 12 weeks is the prime time to socialize them. During this time you should introduce them to:

• New people including family, friends, neighbors, strangers, etc
• Unfamiliar kinds of clothes (such as hoodies, hats, or sunglasses)
• Being handled by their owner and pet by strangers
• A variety of environments including urban areas, parks, bodies of water, woods, and beaches
• Vehicles that you drive as well as those of regular visitors
• Different kinds of flooring materials and ground surfaces
• Cats, dogs, and other animals that may be around
• Typical neighborhood objects like street signs, bikes, strollers, skateboards, park benches

5 – Learn their Cues

Something which has been a hot topic at our dog boarding in Waltham MA has been the cues which dogs give when they are feeling stressed. There are plenty of resources online about the different facial cues dogs can give, but as an owner you will become aware of your dog’s set of personal cues quickly. Recognizing these can help you to calm your dog when they begin to feel angry or anxious, which can in time reduce these qualities.

Dog Boarding in Middlesex County

Once they’re fully vaccinated and comfortable around other dogs, bring them into our dog boarding in Middlesex County. We are experienced in handling dogs and have a passion for creating a safe environment in which they can play. Contact us to learn more about our prices and our other services.