Re-creating the ideal canine community for your puppy within the early months of his life, which includes positive interactions with other dogs and humans, can bring immense rewards. Your puppy will be more content and more comfortable to interact with and better prepared to be the type of dog that is able to get along with dogs of all breeds.
Dogs thrive around friends of the same kind, like-minded people who realize it’s logical to smell one another’s privates or even play chewy-face. We’ve rescued the pups from their fighting, chased jumpy littermates, and put them on Planet Human. This transition will be much smoother when they’re with other travelers.
Take care. However, it would help if you were careful since interaction with dogs from other breeds is risky for the tiniest pups. The most crucial “socialization window” before the four months of age – in which it’s vitally necessary that the puppy experience something new in a way that is a positive course of vaccination against distemper/parvo is not quite complete. It’s an issue since the presence of a dog with a disease in that time frame could result in a deadly disease.
Although it may sound scary, making informed choices to prevent illness is one of the most accessible aspects of ensuring dogs to dog socialization correctly. (See “Balancing Dual Threats: Protecting puppies against viral disease and behavioral problems,” WDJ October 20, 2022.) One of the more difficult things to understand is that even well-behaved dogs could also be a danger to young puppies. The pups could be injured physically or be able to scare them away with their joy, rough play, or any vocalizations. This psychological effect could be especially damaging in the sensitive sponge phase that begins before four months old.
If you think it might be easier to hold off until later when your puppy has been fully vaccinated and is not easy to imprint on . . . It’s not a good idea! When the window for socialization closes, biological processes will start to warn a puppy when they don’t have experience before; they could pose a risk. So, a puppy locked in a fenced-off area from the other dogs until fully immunized at five months may never become comfortable with other dogs.
Yes, it requires effort to get the right thing, but it’s worth the effort. Doggy interaction is not just a task; it’s a joyous aspect of socializing your puppy. Get familiar with how to create a safe and enjoyable experience, and you’ll be on the way to discovering a new, delightful face for your puppy.
The Benefits of a Puppy Playdate
Gentle adult dogs who love to play with puppies – what we call “nanny dogs” – are worth their weight in gold. Half an hour with one of these incredible teachers can be transformative for a puppy. Suddenly, it’s clear to the puppy that 1) bigger dogs are nothing to be scared of, and 2) there are some good-mannering rules for canine play.
If you’ve got a puppy who’s a mouthful and snarly, you should put “find a great puppy playmate” at the top of your list. If you or your kids struggle to find an easy way to play with your baby alligator, playing with your puppy can provide a lifesaver.
A half-hour stroll with a dog from the neighborhood will achieve four things:
- Provide your dog with a natural outlet to satisfy those intense cravings
- Tire her entirely, and its outcome in a dog who’s not as teeth-free
- Help your puppy develop doggy communication abilities
- Learn the vital “bite inhibition” that makes her a mature dog who is safe to live with.
Safe Playmates and Good Setups: Your ResponsibilityTo find the ideal partner:
- Consider safety first.
- Look for well-informed humans who are responsible and keep their not-fully-vaccinated-yet puppy away from unknown dogs and the places they frequent (like dog parks).
- Talk about how important it is to decide on a play date for a puppy that isn’t in top shape on the day.
If you’ve got an appointment for a puppy playdate, take note of the venue. The goal is to set it to warrant that each puppy is safe and can choose whether or not they want to be involved all through the time. The environment can benefit greatly from the latter, so make sure your backyard or space has hiding spots and obstructions that make it difficult for play and allow for a rest (benches or couches, bushes or tables with low legs to slide between and beneath). If you provide a blank square and a few squares instead, you’ll likely leave one puppy fearful and in a corner, which is the exact opposite goal we’re trying to attain.
When and How to Intervene
Give your young puppy an appropriate outlet for that toothy play – an adored game on Planet Dog! – and you’ll find that she is much less mouthy with you or your kids afterward. A bonus to that playdate: It makes your pup happy, tires her out, and builds her canine communication skills.
Despite a top-quality setup, there will be times when you need to step in often. The trick is to know what time and when to intervene. Particularly at the beginning of the game, certain behaviors could indicate they need to benefit from understanding how to get along. For instance, one puppy stands rigidly before another, or perhaps fighting escalates into a loud, quick-witted fight. Make sure not to contribute to the puppy’s anxiety in your tense manner and offer criticism. That dreaded “Be nice… be nice,” said in a strangely intimidating voice, which would only cause the dog to panic. They don’t know precisely what you are saying or what you are saying, but only that your expression is suddenly terrifying, something they can identify with the other dog.
Use your positive energy to help make the situation better. Keep in mind that these kids are essentially very distracted toddlers. Begin by yelling, “Chase me, little ones! Check out this long cord!” Call them over to have a place and enjoy a bite of delicious cheese and “touch” to eat a piece of hot dog. Hold hands, and invite your guests to take an enjoyable walk around the perimeter while you explore the space in tandem. The activities that are done side-by-side benefit reduce the tension of their interactions, which means that the next time they meet, it is more peaceful. Encourage children to tug on the length of a toy instead of together the teeth of one other – could benefit from keeping things in the excellent category.
Need to figure out how the situation is running? Consider playing with reciprocity. This can be beneficial if dogs trade off who’s following, who’s in the lead, and who has the ball. You can use the consent test if you don’t think it looks well-balanced. Calmly separate the dogs, and see if the pup you didn’t trust seeks play. If both of them pull out wildly when they come together the next time … the game is on! If not, you should try other things, like walking together on leashes.
If you think this works, you’re right! However, it can get more enjoyable. There’s a tendency to require enough human intervention regarding Playdate 1 between two pups but almost no intervention regarding Playdate #4. It’s because, if you approach it correctly, your puppies develop friendships, communicating skills, and play-play skills, and once they have done that with a companion, they’re likely to be on this path faster when they meet the following.
Take note that enough dog-training establishments now provide puppies with playtime. This is a good thing. However, it would help if you did your research. What are the precautions they will take regarding the health of their patients? Request to watch the session before. Do they make the right interventions to encourage better games? I’ve had several clients have me convince them that their dog is an unsocialized puppy due to comments from “trainer “trainer” at a group discussion. Most of the time, the human involved was faced with an unsolvable problem and couldn’t set up a suitable environment for all pups. If the setup is correct, the identical puppies generally perform admirably.
For more details about how you can set up and oversee an excellent puppy playdate
Strangers’ Dogs on Leashes
While it’s essential to have peer-puppy buddies, however they are, it’s only the beginning of your dog-to-dog interaction project. Your puppy will also benefit significantly from the interaction with adult dogs. Just seeing dogs walk across the road can be beneficial to your pup. If your puppy is interested, tell him, “Hey, see this dog? There’s the dog.” Creating an enjoyable relationship with those dogs is possible by offering them treats every time. After that . . . move along.
Do not let your pet come up to welcome a dog from a stranger. There’s no way to know where this will turn out. Most adult dogs have a phobia of puppy-like energy. This is normal because the typical puppy behavior is “rude” jumping, climbing, and mouthing. It can be a disaster if a pet is astonished by your puppy’s behavior.
On the other hand, there are some strangers whose pets might be excited about your dog. It’s just not as good! The speed of their movements or the aroused barking can frighten your pet. Stay safe and cheerfully walk by strangers while keeping your distance. Don’t forget, you won’t be able to tell if the dog of a stranger is vaccination-free or whether someone else’s claim that his animal “loves puppies” is accurate. It could be smooth, however, if it does not result in you ending up with a pup who has become a constant fear of other dog breeds,
Dog walks with Neighbor Dogs.
An excellent option for interactions is the tranquil pet that is part of your good, responsible, and pet-vaccinating neighbors. It’s possible that no one is sure how the dog will feel about the idea of having a puppy. It’s worth figuring out.
One of the desirable ways to help get the two dogs familiar with each other is to go the dogs on a walk together. Every owner has treats that will keep them going in the right direction. Make sure to keep a space between the two dogs and allow them to size one another up during their excursion. Once you have a while, If the adult dog’s expressions seem excellent (loose and loose) and the puppy seems to be leaning in, permit more contact. (But don’t let leashes tangle and cause a dog to feel stuck, which could lead to negative outcomes.)
A different opportunity for the first introduction would be to utilize the fence, gate, or pen to keep the puppy safe while the dogs sniff one another. Another choice is to use a flow of sweets across both sides of the fence to reduce the interaction among them initially. Offer them a sit and a touch when they are used to getting around.
If you don’t reach the point where you feel comfortable allowing playing between your dog and your pup, it is a great connection. One of the most beneficial roles an older dog could take on is getting an infant puppy to go for walks. Most puppies aren’t eager to go out on their own. However, if you set an old-fashioned lab right before them, they’ll start walking. (But do not let your puppy be a nuisance to the dog you already have by ignoring both movements and ensuring an appropriate distance.)
The Wonderful Nanny Dog
As tolerant as an adult dog may appear to be with pups, ensure she always has a way to escape their constant attention. No one brings their best self to a game with toddlers when they are exhausted!
If you’re fortunate, there’s the Nanny dog within your community or network of friends. The dog is keen to play with the puppy and is material to sit back and absorb the mouth-watering and bouncy chaos of a month and is excited. Dogs can help guide a puppy to learn a dog’s boundaries – such as “that’s too hard,” or “I’m done now,” – which will assure that the puppy is always secure with pets—dogs who nanny are a treasure. If you’re fortunate enough to own one, take advantage of it. Schedule regularly scheduled gatherings.
But that isn’t a reason to take an older dog, even a perfect one, and a new puppy, hoping they’ll “teach them some manners.” That kind of learning you’d like to receive can only occur when the dog of the previous willfully chooses to spend time close to the young puppy. Sometimes, even a nanny dog requires a break. So make sure you allow her to jump onto a low bench or climb a sofa to escape the childish thing. Do not hinder his teacher’s capacity through the word (“be nice”) since the growl communicates. Dogs of a certain age must be able and confident to say “nope,” or it’s unfair to put her with a naughty puppy. If I’m in charge (which is the way to always do in such a situation, “back up” my dog’s grunt silently and calmly, saying, “That’s right, Georgie, good job.” After that, I’ll move the situation in a positive direction.
(Special tip: whenever two dogs share a space, at all times, alert to any potential protected resources. Take away any prized items, unique toys, etc.)
Set Expectations About Interactions
Suppose you are in a wonderful neighborhood where everyone is familiar with each other and where plenty of adorable dogs always greet you during walks. We’re so sorry. Although that’s an excellent image for a city, it also creates the impression for your child that it’s normal to greet and say “hello” to each animal she encounters walking. It’s fun to watch your baby pull towards them as “friends,” but later in the future, it’s bound to become a source of trouble. After six months, when you stroll down Main Street, your 70-lb child is screaming at any dog she spots and barking when she’s not allowed to jog over and say “Hi.
To counter that problem, my preferred method is instructing a puppy until she receives an explicit signal such as “Go say hello.” – doggies with leashes are simply items we can pass by peacefully enjoying a snack. I’d limit the initial exposure if I were within that neighborhood with enough love. I’d be inviting those wonderful neighbors’ dogs over for playdates or lengthy walks with them – but (particularly at the beginning) I’d train pleasantly walking by their dogs when we come across random dogs on walks.
The other dogs have a significant role during the early stages of your puppy’s development. They could help a puppy feel less alone at Planet Human, provide a relaxing and enjoyable means of burning off energy, and show and demonstrate behavior that can help your puppy’s experience here better and more secure. It will take patience and time to introduce the dogs to your dog’s world, but the rewards are huge to both of you.