Socialize Your Dog

Dog Park Etiquette

Here are some basic guidelines when bringing your rambunctious canine to the dog park.

*If your dog is under 4 months of age do not bring them for safety and health reasons.

*Make sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations so not to spread disease.

*If your dog seems uncomfortable take your pet somewhere else they might enjoy. Don't 
stress your dog out by forcing socialization especially if your pet has anxieties.

*Do not bring any female dog that is in heat. As for intact male dogs or even female dogs, that's a hit or miss. If you have a well-socialized, non-aggressive, submissive for the most part pup it should not be a problem as long as they do not show any behavior problems i.e. aggressive tendencies, constant mounting, etc.

*Supervise your dog at all times. This is not the time to ignore your pup and expect them to play nice or other dogs to play nice.

*Do not bring or use treats and toys from your home with other dogs around.

*Don't allow dogs to form loose packs or to bully other dogs.

*If a dog park is overcrowded consider going somewhere else. Even at a dog park, dogs need space.

*Avoid taking advice from fellow dog owners or giving advice yourself, whom are not dog professionals.

*Clean up after your dog please!

*Make sure your dog is not being bullied, learning bad manners or participating in rough play with other dogs. If so be willing to leave for your dog's safety.

Otherwise have fun!

Best Places to Socialize Your Pet

It is very important to socialize your pet. Do it as early as possible!  There are so many ways to socialize and mold your pet into a safe and productive member of society. Just make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and in good health. Here are some great ideas:

-Dog Parks (these are a hit or miss due to irresponsible owners or untrained dogs so be careful!)

-Pet Stores

-Grooming Parlors

-Veterinarian

-Puppy Play Groups

-Doggy Daycare

-Obedience Classes

-Public Park/Playgrounds

-Take Your Dog To a Farm Or Country Setting

-Take Your Dog To Suburbs

-Take Your Dog To The City

-Walk Around The Neighborhood

-Invite Family And Friends Over To Your Home

-Introduce Your Dog To Different Types Of People Of All Sizes, Shapes, Looks and Ages

-Introduce Your Dog To a Variety Of "Scary" Objects Like Umbrellas, Vacuum Cleaners, Etc.

-Have A Doggy Party 

-Introduce Your Dog To Extra-Large, Large, Medium, Small, Extra-Small Dogs

-Introduce Your Dog To Small Animals Like Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Etc.

-Introduce Your Dog To Farm Animals Like Cows, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Chickens, Etc.

-Introduce Your Dog To Loud Noises Like Firearms/Guns, Fireworks, Etc.

There are so many places to go and things to do to socialize you dog. So go do it! Your pet and your fellow humans will thank you =) However don't just do nothing and keep your pup isolated from society. This will only create a very unhappy, shy, nervous animal with constant behavior problems. So have a heart and introduce your pet to the world =)