Just as with children, allowing your dog to make friends is essential for their mental development and allows them to lead overall healthier lifestyles. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has revealed that one in five American households acquired a cat or dog since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. As employees are returning to the office, a transitional period for pups is ushered in. It is essential that “pandemic puppy” owners begin helping their dogs adjust to a new normal, consisting of more alone time.
Due to the isolating nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, most puppies born during this time have not had the chance to socialize or learn to be independent. As a result, dogs are now experiencing separation anxiety as family members return to in-person work. Separation anxiety caused by a change in a dog’s schedule can result in destructive behavior including the chewing of furniture or wires, urinating or defecating indoors, and barking. It is never too late to train or socialize a dog, no matter their age or temperament. To help dog owners better understand the importance of socialization, the team at Pets a Go Go is highlighting the top reasons to allow your dog to make friends.
Socializing helps dogs with regulating emotions. Dogs who have higher levels of socialization with other pups and people show lower levels of aggression. Your furbaby will take cues from the dogs around them, picking up on healthy ways to communicate and express themselves. Having a dog that is friendly and playful in new situations will only make your life easier.
Running around with other dogs is a great form of exercise. Unfortunately, just as isolation increased during the pandemic, so did the number of dogs diagnosed with pet obesity. A great way to make sure that your furbaby is getting the proper amount of exercise is to allow them to run around a safe, enclosed area such as a dog park in addition to taking them for walks. The energy that your dog exerts while playing with other dogs is unmatched.
Spending time with other dogs helps build confidence. Allowing your dog to explore the world around them and encounter as many new experiences as possible is a great way to build their self-esteem. Furbabies who regularly socialize experience lower levels of fear, stress, and separation anxiety.
A tired dog is a behaved dog. After having fun running around with friends, your pup will most likely want to relax and take a nice nap. This will allow less time for destructive behavior such as chewing and may even curve negative behavior entirely. This will allow for a more peaceful home environment for the entire family.
Spending time at dog parks is a great way for dogs and their parents to bond. There is no more rewarding experience than watching your dog having fun with friends and running around in a pack. Tug of war and racing are both great examples of interactive games which your dog needs a partner to complete. Bring a camera and you will sure to get some awesome action shots!
A great way to ensure that your dog is getting the proper amount of socialization that they need is to enroll them in doggy daycare. Even if just for a couple of hours a day, daycare provides an outlet for dogs to get their energy out, build confidence, and interact with other dogs in a safe environment. To learn more about daycare options at Pets a Go Go, visit our website.
