Everyone felt isolated during the pandemic and because of that, many Americans decided to adopt or purchase dogs and puppies to fill that loneliness. Unfortunately, that lockdown also led to the inability to socialize for both humans and their new dogs. Humans had the opportunity to socialize in virtual ways such as with Zoom calls or drive-by visitations, but unfortunately, many pandemic purchased canines lacked the ability to socialize the entire year of lockdown. Dogs and puppies that under-socialized are more prone to behavioral and aggression problems as they get older. Now that the pandemic is slowly winding down, you’re probably asking yourself, how do I socialize my dog post pandemic?
How Do I Socialize My Dog Post Pandemic?
Tip 1: Don’t bring them to the dog park.
Bringing your quiet canine to a busy dog park with several other excited dogs around him might be too much at first. Dogs that are under socialized can easily become frightened and bite another dog or human even. There also might be under-socialized dogs there and your dog may pick up their poorly socialized behavior.
Tip 2: Have a one-on-one playdate with another well-behaved dog.
When you are comfortable having friends over again, invite them over and ask them to bring their dog with them. Keep in mind that the dog should be nonreactive and relaxed around other canines. Small and safe interactions like this can help your dog learn or relearn proper social behavior amongst other canines.
Tip 3: Practice taking walks with other humans and dogs.
Most dogs do enjoy walks and their humans do as well. Walking with a friend can be fun especially after a year of isolation. If your friend has a well behaved dog, ask them to go for a walk with you and your dog. Besides having the experience of being around another canine, your dog will also have the opportunity explore the different sounds, smells, and surfaces they might have missed while being in the house for lockdown. If things go well, you might be able to let the dogs off their leashes to have some fun in the backyard when you get back.
The Perfect Pup is now offering three options for daily socialization and training programs for puppies and adult dogs. We offer Puppy Daycare, Puppy Play and Train Day Camp, and a Dog Training Day Camp. Each of these offers the chance for puppies and dogs to get the training and socialization that the pandemic may have deprived them of. These programs are also a great option for those who are worried about their canines getting separation anxiety now that they have returned to work.