A recent trip to a big box pet retailer with our Morkie underscores Brianna Alex’s message about canine socialization. It is a critical component of training our pets. I’m not sure Alex’s five tips covers an excited, barking dog in the toy aisle, but she offers counsel every pet owner should receive. Her tips include:
- Take the dog for walks
- Expose the dog to different people
- Start socialization when the dog is a puppy
- Reward positive behaviors
- Take the dog to a dog park
Source: Inside Pets World, June 12, 2019. Link.
For dogs, socialization is one of the most important steps towards happiness. It is through socialization that your dog gets to meet other pets and humans, as well as discover the outside world.
INSIGHTS: There is plenty of opportunity here for coaching from veterinary team members. This content is worthy to use in social media, blog posts and newsletters. Clinic teams will want to include vaccination messages if recommending dog parks.