Dog Socialisation

Regular socialisation helps your dog to be much less stressed around people, different environments and circumstances. Socialising teaches your dog how to relax and how to react to the world around it in a healthy way, without unnecessary stress, bad behaviour, fear or aggression.

Dogs often develop fear and anxiety when they are not socialised enough. Also sometimes we can humanise them and this can also cause confusion about life, how to cope in the outside world and where they fit in.

Dogs that are not social tend to have very small worlds. Being left alone or away from their pack (ie family members) or simply going outside is full of so many new people, places and things that it’s simply to overwhelming and scary for them. Under socialised dogs may resist going for walks or meeting new animals or people, may be very clingy or needy, may have behavioural problems like general fear, separation anxiety, excessive chewing, digging, fear of leaving the house, unwillingness to be controlled, aggression, sensitivity to sound and discomfort in many situations. 

In order to help both you and your dog to enjoy a happy life together, veterinarians, behaviourists and dog trainers alike recommend that your dog is socialised from an early age and it is easiest when they're between the age of 8 weeks and 4 months old however its never to late (puppies should be fully vaccinated before meeting new dogs outside of their litter). Dogs can be socialised at anytime of their life. I've had many clients who have adopted older under socialised dogs and have found amazing improvements after regular walks in a pack with other well balanced dogs. 

Having a socialised dog sets your dog up to enjoy life. It means less stressful trips out of the house and a happy well balanced temperament. Your dog will be relaxed in all safe environments. When your socialised dog meets new people, other dogs or pets or goes to new places they will be happy and confident throughout their life making your life as a dog owner and their life much easier, enjoyable and happy.

Sometimes it may appear that your dog doesn’t want to socialise and in a very few cases this can be true but in 99% of cases it is the fear from not socialising enough or at all holding them back. 

Fear and Aggression: At Walks Woofs n Wags I don't accept aggressive dogs but I can help if your dog may be starting to showing signs of fear. This needs to be discussed and assessed. I have seen many dogs that start to show signs of fear develop their confidence by socialising more to become non aggressive, happy and content in and out of the pack.

Fear is often at the root of aggression so while a dog may seem angry they may actually be scared. A reactive dog may simply be under socialised and not have the skills to handle what they consider stressful. If you've noticed fear or mild aggression developing its key to socialise that dog as much as possible before it becomes serious. If you have an aggressive dog you should seek specialised help.