Oh no! Dog parks are closed? So are pet stores and beaches? How is my pup supposed to make friends now? Or get used to the sound of traffic or crowds or even new textures on their paws? If this is going through your head right now, don’t worry! During uncertain times like these, it is important to stay calm, but to remember that it is still important to socialize your dog and that this is still possible. Socializing your dog is extremely crucial in aiding in positive behaviors and keeping your pup happy. We understand your frustration and fear, so we have gathered four ways you can safely socialize your pup during quarantine.
Go on Walks
Walks are a great way to socialize your dog, as it allows your pup to experience new sounds, smells, people, and other animals. Walks also help your dog feel new textures, such as concrete, manhole covers, and grass. The World Health Organization has explained that dogs cannot transmit Coronavirus to humans. This means that your dog can safely meet another dog without increasing your chances of infection! (Just make sure to maintain a safe distance between other humans and remember to always ask the other owner if it’s okay for the dogs to meet!) However, if you are still a bit skeptical of this new research, this time also opens up a great training opportunity to learn to leave it or forget it when passing other dogs or walkers.
Tip: If you have a dog that has not already mastered leave it while on walks, bring treats to gather your dog’s attention. If your dog still has trouble, be sure to increase the distance between the distraction and your dog until your pup does not notice anymore! Slowly decrease this distance, and soon enough your dog will be a master at the command!
Safe Playdates
Considering the WHO’s research, your dog can still play with fellow pup friends, while you still maintain social distancing, without increasing your risk of infection. So, if your neighbor, friend, or a loved one has a dog you have been dying for fido to meet, go ahead and set up that playdate! This means it is also okay to take your pup to a public park to meet other dogs, especially if you live in a more rural area where walks do not help socialization.
Road Trips
This may sound silly, but getting your pup used to the feel and sound of the car is a very long lasting and helpful skill for them to have. Imagine no more crying, whimpering, or barking ever again on those much dreaded trips to the vet. Even if your pup is great in the car, you can still socialize them to different sounds that they may not have experienced, such as honking horns, aircrafts overhead, or maybe even the sound of the occasional lawn mower while passing by other houses!
Tip: Make sure you let your pup sniff around the car to help get them used to the vehicle before you start driving. If you have a loud car, it might help to start with the engine off! Remember to make every situation positive and that treats are very helpful!
Simply, just Spending Time Outdoors!
Probably one of the easiest of the four ways to socialize your dog, but just as rewarding as the others! Socializing your dog to the daily outdoor noises, scents, sights, and feels can help your dog acclimate quicker to other new experiences that you may not be able to allow your dog to experience right now. Additionally, this will help make potty breaks much quicker and help your dog become more comfortable while playing or walking outdoors.
Socializing your dog during quarantine is difficult, but not impossible. Though it is best to socialize your dog as a puppy, there is no such thing as too late! As your dog grows, it may take more time to help your dog get comfortable with certain situations, but is still very possible. Be patient with your dog, build up to new experiences, and make sure every experience is positive!
Keep calm and wag on!
Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19). https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses. Accessed 26 Apr. 2020.
Thanks for the really good tips! 🐕🐕🐕