Tag Archive for: fort collins dog

How to Protect Your Pets from Wild Animals

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

 

This summer, a Fort Collins man was arrested by police after killing a bear that had wandered into his back yard. The bear was threatening the life of the man’s beloved dog, so he took matters into his own hands, shooting the bear once with a rifle. Under Colorado law, residents are protected if they shoot and kill a bear to protect themselves, their home, car or livestock; but not if a bear is attacking a dog. Charges were recently dropped against the man, but the incident opened the question: what can you do to protect your pet from wild animals? With winter right around the corner, encounters with wild animals will become more common, so what should you do if you and your pet are on the receiving line of a threat?

Whether it be a bear, coyote, snake, skunk or another critter, it’s not uncommon for wild animals to sting, bite, poke and spray anyone or anything that they encounter. According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the most common wild animals to attack pets are – in order most common to least common – snake, coyote, raccoon, squirrel, scorpion, javelina (a medium-sized hoofed mammal that somewhat resembles a pig), porcupine, ground hog, skunk and rat. No matter the animal, here are a few things you can do as a protective pet parent to help prevent an attack, and be prepared in the event one does occur:

 

  • Call your County’s Cooperative Extension Service Agent or Colorado Parks and Wildlife for information about potential wildlife hazards for your area. Knowing areas that are frequented by wild animals and where frequent encounters occur, makes it much easier to avoid those areas.

 

  • Speak with your veterinarian about any additional vaccinations your pet should have in addition to Rabies and other species-specific vaccinations, based on where you live and your lifestyle. For example, it may be suggested your dog be vaccinated for Leptospirosis, a bacteria spread through water, soil and the urine of infected animals.

 

  • Of the 25 species of snakes in Colorado, only the Western or prairie rattlesnake and the Desert Massasauga are venomous species. If either of these species pose a problem in your immediate area, speak with your vet about emergency protocol – is there an antivenin available? Does your vet recommend a rattlesnake vaccine or some type of avoidance training? What should you and your pet do if one of these venomous snakes crosses your path?

 

  • Always keep your pet on a leash when exploring new areas. If you pet is growling, seems cautious or if you notice the hairs over his shoulder blades standing at attention, take heed. Your pet can sense other animals much sooner than you can. An attack only takes seconds, and if you are far away from veterinary services, every second counts.

 

  • Always keep a well-stocked pet first aid kit readily available. You can purchase a pre-stocked kit, or confer with your vet as to what items he recommends so you can create your own. Instructions on how to use each item in the kit in the event of an emergency is just as important as a well stocked kit.

 

  • Be sure to keep your pet’s ID tag and/or microchip information current, as a scare from a wild animal may cause him to high tail it out of there, and you want to ensure a happy reunion.

 

  • One of the safest things for your dog at home is a secure, fenced-in yard. Check the perimeter often for signs of an animal trying to dig its way in, and fill any holes immediately. Many animals can simply scale the fence to find their way into your yard, so keep food items and treats indoors, as they will attract potential unwanted visitors. If you do find an unwelcome animal in your yard, keep your pets inside and call Animal Control immediately.

 

As with most things in life, preparation is key when protecting your pet. Know what threats are lurking outdoors, work with your veterinarian to have a plan in place in the event of an attack, and do your best to avoid a potentially dangerous encounter with a wild animal.

Why Some People Don’t Own Pets

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

 

I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t imagine an existence without pets. I’ve shared my life with a pet for as long as I can remember, loving them, losing them, and welcoming new ones over the years. So for me, and probably many of you, it’s hard to understand why some people choose to not have pets. I mean, don’t they know what they’re missing?

 

The American Humane Association (AHA) and PetSmart Charities conducted a study to learn more about pet companions -specifically why some people don’t have pets -in an effort to develop more effective strategies for helping homeless pets get adopted and find their forever homes. The AHA believes the first step in minimizing the number of homeless dogs and cats is to understand why some people don’t have pets. Here’s what the study found:

 

Data was collected from 1,500 people without pets who either had a dog or cat once in their lives, or never at all. Some reasons for not having a pet were predictable, including: “Pets cost too much money,” or “I don’t have the time,” or “I’m allergic.” But researchers were shocked to learn nearly 20 percent of the study participants who did have a dog or cat at one time (and only one time) never welcomed another pet to their home because they were still suffering from the loss of their previous pet. This finding made it clear to the AHA that they need to better appreciate the human-animal bond and celebrate a person’s prior pet, which will hopefully allow then to take the next step of caring for another pet.

 

Cats vs. Dogs

 

Some of the non-pet participants admitted they simply don’t like companion animals, and over one-third expressed their dislike of cats. 45 percent who had a dog at one time said they would consider having another pet, while only 34 percent who had a cat said the same. Of the participants who never had a pet before, 25 percent would consider a canine companion, but only 10 percent would bring home a feline friend. These results helped identify a need for feline-friendly education and training for both pet parents and veterinary staff at the AHA to increase the level of care kitties receive.

 

Additional Findings

 

  • The longer a pet parent waits after the loss of a pet, the less likely he or she is to welcome a new dog or cat to the home.
  • 10 percent of previous dog parents and 12 percent of previous cat parents said they gave away or sold their pet for reasons such as housing restrictions, behavioral issues, allergies, lack of time, death in the family, or divorce.
  • Less than 23 percent of previous pet parents adopted their pet from a shelter or rescue agency.
  • Nearly 65 percent of study participants said they would adopt their next pet.
  • Of the participants over the age of 65, over 90 percent of them said they had no intention of having a canine or kitty companion.

 

 

What the AHA and PetSmart Charities Learned

 

  • A plan of action is needed to help address negative attitudes toward cats, and cat adoption strategies would have improved results if targeted toward younger prospective pet parents.
  • They need to better understand barriers to pet adoption, such as the grief over a lost pet, and work to reduce existing obstacles such as housing restrictions and financial constraints.

 

Hopefully, with this information in hand, both the AHA and PetSmart Charities will develop a strategy to attract new adoptees, reduce the shelter populations, and match potential pet parents with their forever friends. However, as all pet parents know, pets are a big responsibility.You should never push a pet on someone who is not ready. The best thing you can do for your non-pet owning friends is educate them on the upsides and downsides of being a pet parent and try and ease their concerns about pet ownership.

 

Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Does the sound of crinkling tin foil or a rustling potato chip bag make you cringe? Is there a particular common sound that simply pushes you over the proverbial edge? Well, if you have a kitty companion, you may not be alone.

A few years ago, a bizarre seizure disorder affecting felines in the United Kingdom was discovered. Cats were suddenly having seizures that appeared to be triggered by common everyday noises like the ring of a doorbell, rustling of a newspaper, clicking of a TV remote, and other household sounds. Reactions from cats affected by the sounds included epileptic-like seizures, convulsions and loss of balance, as well as less severe reactions such as freezing in place, running in circles, and restlessness.

A team of researchers in the United Kingdom began investigating the occurrences and found pet parents from around the world whose cats had also suffered seizures in response to certain sounds. One thing they almost all had in common – their veterinarians had no explanation for their cat’s condition and often didn’t believe the seizures were triggered by sound.

The researchers were then even more determined to study the anomaly and find answers, so they collected detailed information from 96 affected cats. It was concluded that some cats do indeed suffer from seizures caused by sounds, and the disorder was named Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures (FARS), otherwise known as “Tom and Jerry Syndrome.”

Research found some sounds caused the afflicted cats in the study to experience non-convulsive seizures, brief jerks of a muscle or group of muscles, or full-body seizures that last several minutes. The sounds that most often triggered seizures include:

  • Crinkling of aluminum foil
  • A metal spoon against a ceramic bowl
  • Clinking or tapping of glass
  • Crinkling of paper or a plastic bag
  • Typing on a keyboard; clicking of mouse
  • Clinking of coins and keys
  • Hammering of nails
  • Clicking of a person’s tongue

 

Less common triggers include:

  • Tearing foil (like on a food package)
  • Cell phone texting, ringing
  • Digital alarm
  • Velcro
  • Running water
  • Ticking sound from lighting a gas stove
  • A dog’s collar jangling
  • Sounds from a computer printer
  • Splitting firewood
  • Wood blocks being knocked together
  • Walking across a wooden floor in bare feet or squeaky shoes
  • The shrill scream of a child

Among the 96 cats studied, all were affected by one or more of the above sounds, but the Birman breed seemed particularly vulnerable.  All cats involved ranged in age from 10 to 19 years, with the average age being 15, leading researchers to conclude a seizure disorder may be overlooked as older animals tend to have other health issues that are more prominent and recognizable.

Now that the cause of these curious kitty seizures has been pinpointed, and pet parents know the common triggers, these off-kilter kitties can be treated with sound aversion and anti-seizure medication.

If your favorite feline experiences any of the signs that go along with FARS, seek veterinary assistance and mention to him or her your suspicion that your kitty may have the disorder.

[fusion_button link=”https://wetnosespetsitting.com/what-happens-during-a-pet-sitting-visit-your-sidehill-pet-sitter-tells-it-all/” title=”” target=”_self” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Learn what happends during a pet sitting visit[/fusion_button]

Three Ways to Raise a Healthy Pet

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

 

We all want our pets to be with us forever but, unfortunately, that just isn’t possible. But what is possible is taking action to raise a healthy pet, you help ensure that your furry companion has the best chance of a living a long and healthy life, right by your side.

1 Feed Fluffy and Fido a Well-Balanced Diet

When it comes to helping your pet live as nature intended, one area of significance is with the food you feed your canine or kitty companion. Feeding a diet that is balanced and species-appropriate is of the utmost importance. Since both dogs and cats are natural carnivores, good quality protein and moisture are crucial, along with a low starch (carbohydrates and grains) content. With the overabundance of pet food choices, it can be difficult to know what’s best for your pet, so consult with your veterinarian and check out our blog for some tips.

2.  Monitor Your Pet’s Weight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. Pet obesity has become such a widespread problem that many pet parents don’t even realize their four-legged friend is overweight, putting them at risk for a long list of obesity-related disease.

The problem starts with overfeeding the wrong type of food. Again, since dogs and cats are carnivores, the foundation of their diet should be animal muscle meats, organs and bones.

As well, lack of adequate exercise is a huge risk factor in raising a cat or dog that is “pleasantly plump” (although the risks aren’t pleasant at all). Every animal is designed to be physically active in order to achieve optimal health. Not only can your pet’s lack of exercise result in packed-on pounds, but it can also cause extreme boredom and lack of mental stimulation which can result in a whole host of behavioral issues.

3. Perform At-Home Exams and Schedule Regular Wellness Visits

Dogs and cats alike are experts when it comes to hiding their pain. That’s why it’s important for their pet parents to perform routine at-home wellness exams for their canine and kitty companions. Place your pet on your lap and work your fingers along his body from the tops of his ears to the tip of his tail, looking and feeling for anything odd, such as discharge, debris, lumps, cuts, etc. These exams are a simple and very effective way for you to keep a close eye on your pet’s health.If possible way your pet on a weekly or monthly basis, any change in weight greater than 10% of your pet’s total weight is cause to call your vet. In combination with annual or bi-annual veterinary wellness exams, the chances of a potential health hazard being detected early enough for effective care increase greatly.
Help keep a healthy pet and help them enjoy their lives for as long as possible by doing everything in your power to be the conscientious, caring and effective pet parent you can be!

Why Mutts are Fantastic!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Did you know October celebrates “Adopt-a-Dog Month,” sponsored by the American Humane Association, and “Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month,” sponsored by the ASPCA? And did you know 75% of the dogs in shelters are mixed-breeds, or mutts? In honor of those precious mutts waiting for their furr-ever families, here’s a list of reasons why mixed-breeds are truly mutt-tastic!

1. They come in all sizes, with short, long, curly or wiry coats in every color; they have small ears that stand straight up, big floppy ears that wave in the wind, droopy ears that drag the ground; some have short legs, long legs, big fluffy tails, long tails, or no tail at all. Whatever you’re looking for in a canine companion, the mutts have it!

2. Perhaps you’re looking for a very social dog who can help you meet new people, or one who is security conscious and has a flare for barking when he hears a knock on the door. Want a four-legged walking partner, or a lap dog who enjoys long petting sessions on the couch? Whatever your lifestyle, there’s a mutt out there who will fit right in.

3. Animal shelter adoption fees are much more affordable than the cost of a purebred dog. But, keep in mind, every dog requires a financial commitment in order to ensure a happy and healthy addition to your family. All breeds, whether pure or mixed, require a nutritious diet, routine vet visits, grooming supplies, bedding, toys, various other odds and ends, and most importantly, love, affection and dedication.

4. Mutts are just as trainable as purebreds; many are even great athletes! Looking for a four-legged family friend? One that will obey commands, play with your kids, maybe even compete in dog agility contests? A mutt can do all these things and more!

5. While this isn’t a characteristic of a mutt itself, welcoming one into your family means you are saving a life. Adopting a magnificent mutt means there’s one less animal languishing in the system.

They may be mixed breeds… mutts… mongrels… Heinz 57… but no matter what nickname you give them, mutts are no less wonderful for their unknown ancestry. And there’s likely one waiting just for you, ready to be your perfect canine companion!

Can’t adopt right now? Well, there are other ways you can help the mutts and homeless animals out there in our nation’s shelters. Here are some simple ways to help:

1. Contact your local shelter or rescue group and ask if they have a donation wish list or other flyer you can post around your neighborhood, office, health club, etc. They may be holding special events for Adopt-a-Dog Month / Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month which you can help promote.

2. Sign up to be a foster parent or shelter volunteer.

3. Donate funds to your local shelter in honor of Adopt-a-Dog Month / Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month.

4. Pass on an understanding of the importance of pet adoption to the next generation. Talk to your kids, your friends’ kids and young family members about animal shelters and why pet adoption is important.

With so many great options in shelters all over America, a mixed breed dog is a great choice for your next furry family member.

 

Does My Dog Lick Excessively?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

Do you ever catch your pooch in the act of licking his feet, forearms, or other extremity so ferociously you think to yourself, “wow, that must really feel good”? While his licking may seem a non-issue, and one that provides him joy, that doesn’t mean it might not be his response to an underlying issue if they lick excessively.

Canine acral lick dermatitis (ALD) – also known as lick granulomas – is a lesion to the skin caused by chronic licking, resulting in skin inflammation. Over time, the skin thickens and the area can’t heal because they lick excessively. The licking and the inflammation cause itching, which causes your dog to lick even more, creating a vicious cycle of itching, licking, inflammation, and the inability to heal.

ALD can also result in secondary issues including bacterial infection, ruptured hair follicles and ruptured sweat glands. These issues just add fuel to the cycle, making the itching even worse which increases your dog’s need to lick.

The most common location for ALD is on the front side of a front leg between the elbow joint and paw, though they are often found on the ankle and between the toes. The condition is most often seen in middle-aged, large-breed dogs. Many veterinarians believe itchy skin triggers the excessive licking, although it is thought it can also be set off by a painful condition, such as trauma to the leg, a fracture, post-surgical discomfort, arthritis, or nerve damage. A fungal or bacterial infection, as well as skin mites, can also trigger itching in your pooch.

Not only is ALD rooted in health conditions, incessant licking is also a common obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs – yes, dogs can have OCD, too! Rover’s licking may trigger the release of endorphins (a chemical in the brain that leads to feelings of happiness) and once he learns licking brings about a pleasant feeling, he’ll likely continue to do it. As well, psychological factors such as boredom, stress and separation anxiety can result in excessive licking. To best determine how to treat the issue, it is important to determine the cause.

If you suspect your pooch has an ALD lesion, there will typically be a raised area of ulceration, hair loss, and thickened skin around the lesion. Your veterinarian should first rule out any potential allergies first, as a dog with recurrent skin or ear infections, hot spots, or itching in other areas may have an allergic condition that needs treatment. Several tests are needed to diagnose ALD, including skin scrapings and fungal cultures, and to look for infection.

If it is determined that your pooch is indeed suffering from ALD, once treated effectively, you’ll likely need to address any psychological or emotional factors that may have contributed to your pet’s obsessive licking. Try to refocus his energy with frequent walks, playtime, and other methods of physical activity. Make sure you and everyone in your family pays extra attention to Rover, stimulating his brain and keeping him happy and secure.

The best way to prevent ALD is to talk to your vet as soon as you notice you dog start to lick excessively. Make a habit of running your hands over Rover regularly to check for damp fur or sensitivity. If you notice him licking a particular spot but there’s no injury to the skin, wrap the area with an Ace bandage to discourage further licking. Anything you can do to prevent Rover from self-injury will be extremely beneficial.

While we associate licking with a dog’s natural instinct, sometimes it can serve as a sign of an underlying issue and, when done excessively, should never be ignored.

How Having a Family Pet Can Benefit Your Kids

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

 

We all know our favorite feline and cuddly canine can make us smile and bring joy to our family, but did you know the family pet can provide health benefits as well? Studies have shown children who grow up in homes with cats and/or dogs seem to have fewer allergies than kids in pet-free homes, and those who have contact with a dog tend to get fewer ear and respiratory infections during their first year of life.

 

A study in Finland tracked almost 400 children from before their birth through their first year of life. Thirty-five percent of the children lived in homes with dogs, 24 percent with cats, and 41 percent with no pets at all. The infants who had daily contact with a dog experienced 31 percent fewer respiratory tract illnesses and infections and 44 percent fewer ear infections. The link between daily contact with a dog and less illness held true even when researchers accounted for other factors known to affect infection rates in babies, such as breast feeding. Infants with daily cat contact also had fewer infections, but the decrease wasn’t nearly as significant as it was with dogs.

 

The Finnish researchers speculate perhaps the dogs bring dirt or soil into the home and its presence strengthens the babies’ immune systems. Or perhaps the increased resistance to infection found in infants in homes with dogs has something to do with the dogs themselves.

The study results build on a growing body of evidence in support of the hygiene hypothesis, which states the large increase in allergies and other immune system disorders is due in part to our society’s recent obsession with cleanliness standards, with the use of hand sanitizer and other solvents used to create a completely “anti-bacterial” environment. Many people don’t realize it’s likely through early exposure to bacteria and parasites that the immature immune system in infants is prepared to fight dangerous infections. And this ‘priming’ of the immune system helps it learn the difference between serious health hazards – like pneumonia – and harmless irritants – like pet dander and pollen. According to the hygiene hypothesis, when a person’s immune system is unfamiliar with serious disease or illness, it is more likely to mount great attacks against benign environmental triggers.

 

A New Baby Does Not Mean You Must Rehome Your Furbaby!

 

Some first time parents think bringing a new human baby home means the family pet must go. In terms of germs and disease, this simply is not true! Hopefully the Finnish study findings will correct this misunderstanding, and future studies will continue to reinforce it.

6 Common Myths About Your Dog

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

 

If you’re a pet parent to a canine, you’ve likely heard the old wives tales that have trickled down through the ages regarding our pooch’s health. Is your dog sick? “Check to see if his nose is dry!” Is Rover licking a wound? “Licking speeds up the healing process!” While there may be some truth behind statements like these, most are completely unfounded.

1. Dogs only eat grass when they’re sick.

While there is some truth to this claim, many scientists insist it’s normal for a dog to eat some grass from time to time as it’s in their genetics. There’s no need to worry if your dog enjoys a grass snack on occasion, however, if gulped down in large amounts it may indicate Rover has an upset stomach. If you find him chowing down on mouthfuls of grass and vomiting them up, it may be best to visit your vet.

2. Dogs eat non-food items because of a nutritional deficiency.

No one can say exactly why some dogs eat rocks, feces, lick carpet, and ingest things that are not meant to be ingested. Most vets believe dogs eat these things out of sheer boredom or as a method to gain attention. To prevent Rover from noshing on the non-edible, provide adequate exercise for him, along with ample outlets for his excess energy.

3. Garlic kills fleas.

Many pet parents claim garlic works to keep fleas at bay, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. While it is very possible that the smell acts as a deterrent, garlic does not kill them.

4. If Rover’s nose is warm, he is sick.

Not true! Your dog’s nose temperature cannot indicate illness or health. It also can’t verify whether or not Rover has a fever. The only way to accurately determine your dog’s temperature is by measuring it with a thermometer, with normal readings ranging between 101.5 to 102.5°F.

 

5. If your dog licks his wounds, it will help them heal faster.

Dogs naturally lick their wounds in an effort to clean them, but it actually slows down the healing process and can lead to serious infections. To prevent your pooch from licking his wound excessively, block access to the area with an Elizabethan collar (you know, the lampshade looking contraptions that go around Rover’s neck) or by applying a bandage. To aid in the healing process, clean the wound thoroughly and apply a dog-safe antiseptic.

6. Your pooch will let you know when he’s sick or in pain.

Definitely not true! In general, dogs are adept at hiding the signs that indicate they are sick or feeling pain. Behaviorists speculate this is instinctual, a behavior inherited from their ancestors who, in their drive to survive, hid any weakness. More often than not, by the time you notice your dog is sick, his condition has already progressed. Keep an eye on Rover’s typical behavior and make note of any differences you notice in the time he spends sleeping, if he’s slower in his movements (especially when getting up and lying down), if his appetite shrinks, if he seems more distant, or, on the contrary, becomes more clingy. It’s also a good idea to take a quick look at Rover’s poop every time he goes to identify any differences in its appearance.

 

It’s our mission as pet parents to provide the best possible care for our canine companions, and it can sometimes get confusing with the countless theories out there on dogs and their care. If you’re uncertain or just looking for advice, consult with Rover’s veterinarian.

Can a Pet Help with My Kid’s Autism?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

One of my favorite parts of being a pet parent is the comfort I receive from my animals. Many people feel similarly, in fact animal assisted therapy has become significantly more common in the past five years.This positive effect is seen and well studied in children with autism.With the rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among children increasing worldwide, it’s comforting to know your family’s fuzzy friend can be of service to your diagnosed child.

A recent Purdue University study monitored the impact of Guinea pigs in classrooms. The new study took it a step further and studied the impact of interacting animals with ASD children; they wanted to prove playing with Guinea pigs would reduce the children’s social stress. Study groups included a mix of “typical” kids and ASD kids and monitored their reactions to multiple conditions, both with and without the Guinea pigs. The researchers believed the ASD kids would show high levels of anxiety when the Guinea pigs were not included in their activity, and they were right on! Activities that incorporated the pigs resulted in lower levels of stress and produced a remarkable calming effect.

Previous studies showed children with ASD demonstrated improved social skills after only a few months of interacting with Guinea pigs. And a separate study found the children talk, laugh and smile more and cry, whine and frown less in the presence of the playful pigs.

Any animal can have positive emotional affects on you and your child, but furry animals tend to work best.

If you are the parent of an ASD child as well as a furry one, be sure to give the furry one an extra treat and a nice cuddle as a “thank you” for his fortuitous friendship.

Socializing Your Adult Dog

/0 Comments/in , /by

Most pet parents know it is best to socialize your pooch at a young age, ideally between three and twenty weeks of age, when he is most sensitive. As he ages, it is increasingly difficult for a puppy to accept anything new and unfamiliar. But what if you’ve recently adopted a mature canine companion, or you weren’t able to acclimate your pup to social situations? Whatever the reason may be, it doesn’t mean he has to settle for a life void of pet friends and social interaction, it’s never too late to start socializing your adult dog.

 

Dog-to-dog socialization is simple with pups; they can be let loose together to learn how to interact and play. However, the same scenario can be catastrophic with adult dogs. Mature dogs, typically between the ages of 1-3 years, do not necessarily enjoy being in large groups of unfamiliar dogs. Your Fido may attempt to avoid the other dogs, stand closely by your side, or even snap and growl.

 

Rather than putting your furry friend in a stressful situation, start with daily walks, and introduce him to other pets and people as the opportunity arises. Walks are wonderful for socializing dogs as they’ll have less pent-up energy resulting from exercise, making them calmer and more submissive. During your daily walks, maintain a calm yet assertive energy; avoid pulling back on his leash or yelling if he barks or acts up.Doing so will only increase his level of excitement and may create a negative experience. Practice using a quick sideways tug on the leash or a simple touch to distract him as needed.

 

Introductions to other pets and people should be gradual. Invite a friend with a gentle, easy-going dog to join you on a walk. Keep a polite distance between the two pooches while they get to know one another. If both appear at ease, allow them to sniff each other, keeping their leashes loose and their interaction brief. If either dog appears to stiffen up, call your dog to you with a soft, relaxed voice; if they wag their tails and remain at ease, consider an off-leash playdate in a fenced area, using the same brief sessions and positive reinforcement.

 

Don’t rush things, but try to introduce socializing your adult dog to one new activity per week. For example, take him to the local dog park, but rather than throwing him into the mix and hoping for the best, start by exposing him to the scene with a leashed walk around the outside of the fence, allowing him to see the other dogs playing and having fun.

 

Socialization of any kind is beneficial and enjoyable for your furry buddy. Be patient, gentle and kind, and remember, making new friends can be taxing, for dogs and people alike!