How to Make Dogs More Sociable

Not all dogs and puppies are social from the beginning. Often, if a puppy is not socialized before 16 weeks of age, it is harder to socialize it as it becomes older. However, just because your dog or puppy is not social does not mean that it cannot become social. By incorporating people, other animals and social situations into your dog̵7;s life, you help make it understand that other people and animals are not only normal, but often fun.

  1. Invite Other Dogs Over

    • When you adopt a new puppy, start the socialization process as early as possible. Have friends come over with their dogs or puppies and let the animals play together. Keep a watchful eye on how the dogs interact with one another. Set up play dates for puppies at least once a week. If your puppy gets apprehensive around other dogs, slowly incorporate play dates into the routine. Often, apprehensive puppies need you to show them that the other dogs or puppies will not hurt it. Pet the other dogs or puppies in front of your puppy. For an adult dog, you need to know how it reacted around other animals before inviting dogs into your home. Ask the shelter or person in which you received the dog how it reacted to other dogs and animals. Take small steps with adult dogs and always stay close-by when new dogs enter your dog̵7;s territory. Let your dog take its time sniffing any dog you invite over. Feed the dogs treats and praise your dog. If your adult dog does not do well with other dogs, do not force socialization on it. Forcing socialization on your dog can result in a fight or injury.

    Take Your Dog Out

    • A key component in socializing your dog or puppy is to take it out in public. As long as your puppy or dog has the appropriate vaccinations, you can take it out to dog parks, on walks and even areas such as beaches. Public, pet-friendly environments allow your dog to meet other dogs or puppies, as well as other humans. Publicly social situations also show your dog or puppy that it has nothing to be afraid of regarding humans or other animals. Certain pet stores even allow animals inside. If you do not feel comfortable taking your dog to a pet park or beach quite yet, start with animal-friendly pet stores. At a pet store, you can walk around the aisles and leave if it becomes too overwhelming for your dog.

    Get Friends and Family Involved

    • The more people you invite over or let your dog meet, the more social your dog becomes. Invite friends and family over to dinner and let them meet your dog. Give your friends or family dog treats and have them coax the dog over so they can pet it. Tell anyone handling the dog to speak in a soothing voice and to not make abrupt movements. Another way to get your dog used to people is to have a few friends or family members sit around in your living room and have the dog sniff around them. Act as though nothing is happening so the dog does not get nervous. Have friends or family members hold out their hands so the dog can sniff their fingers and they can slowly pat its head. If you live with family members or roommates, you can also have them take part in giving the dog food or walking it every once in awhile. This helps the dog understand that your family members or roommates will not hurt it.

    Stick to a Routine

    • You must be diligent about socializing your dog. Having people over every so often or taking your dog out on walks every once in a while does not help it grow accustomed to being around people or other animals. A dog can only get used to something if a routine is established so it understands that the situation is normal. Set up weekly play-dates and trips to the dog park, if possible. Walk your dog every day. When you walk the dog, let people pet him or stop and see a friend and let the friend pet the dog. Incorporate socialization into your dog̵7;s life as much as possible. The more you show the dog that people and other animals are a normal part of life, the more your dog becomes comfortable in social situations.