Choosing the Right Playmate for Your Dog

Let’s face the fact dog socialization is way much more complicated than you could ever expect. It is required to obtain the right way to socialize them. How do you go about it? It is simple. Take your pet to the dog park.

When the dog spends time with two or more dogs, playing with them, mock fighting, and running, it adds a lot of fun to their life. Dogs like to be more involved in playing than doing some regular exercises. They communicate with each other and develop their life expertise.

This way, they socialize with each other and their surroundings. Socialization is a vital part of training a dog. Thus, it is essential for every pet. Being social helps develop their nature. A well-socialized dog is friendlier to other animals and humans (including other dogs).

On the other hand, non-socialized dogs are more timid, stressed, and assertive. However, if they experience a worse outcome in socialization, that will harm them physically and mentally.

Importance of play

Generally, dogs develop their necessary etiquette and socialization from playing. They can understand how to minimize their annoyance and control their elation. Without social training, they may get stressed and aggressive in the latter part of their life.

Most importantly, they learn to manage their bite, which helps them judge the amount of mouth that needs to be opened according to the situation. Bite control usually starts at the sixth to the seventh month (in age) while playing with other pups.

It helps them to develop a soft bite. There is no other option for the dog to measure the power to distribute when playing with other dogs. Remember that socialization can’t be limited to puppy age. Initial age socialization educates them how to behave with other dogs, which is beneficial in the future.

The next part of socialization makes them good dogs from pups. It will refine their nature to others. You cannot expect that suddenly they will behave like mature ones without puppyhood socialization. Hence, an ideal playmate can be a great booster to social interactivity.

In the case of an aged dog, socialization helps them maintain a good gesture towards the other. Dogs and puppies learn several essential skills when they play with one another.

Read Also: Signs That You Are Taking Good Care Of Your Dog

Friend?

Be cautious when the dogs interact with each other. Most of the time, people take them to the playing ground and never notice whom they interact with and how. Choosing a good playmate proves effective for socialization. You need to be careful of this episode.

Initial tension occurs when two dogs meet each other for the 1st time. But if there is no negative vibe observed in them, you leash them off for the opportunity to greet. They prefer circularly greeting each other. They smell and verify each other.

In this situation, two things are possible — either they accept or maybe aggressive. You can assume the upcoming situation by observing their body language. If your dog’s tail is lower, or the ear is held back and lower their back portion, it indicates that he is anxious.

It also depends upon the other dog’s situation. Observe the body language, and you can learn their signal. If you sense any negative vibe, allow the dog to move. Give some space for him. It makes individual boundaries for them, and it prevents conflict.

But, if they play with each other, then sit down and observe their interaction. If they do not like the interaction, you must immediately separate them before a fight occurs.

Playtime turn worst

Some minimal clashes are manageable. But if the fight takes an unexpected turn, it can be deadly. It will create a negative effect on future interaction. If you sense any worse situation emerging, you must immediately remove your dog from that area.

The four such worse situations you may see in this condition include the dog is arousing, bullying, the nature of the pack, and the predatory nature.

How to manage the fight?

If you observe any escalation of the situation, immediately separate those with a cautious move. You may not be assured about other dogs, whether it has got a soft mouth or not. If it is not, it may harm badly to your dog.

Even if you observe that your dog is enjoying the fight, discourage your pet within a moment by separating it from the other animal. Else, the situation will worsen very soon.

Read Also: Using A Long Line While Training Your Dog

The way to find a playmate

Whenever you take your dog to play with others, it is for you whether you allow your dog to play and which one do you want. Observe the dog before entering the dog park with them.

During the training session, you must make sure the trainer chooses a fitting playmate for your dog. The trainer should choose the playmate according to size and temperament. Try to choose a mate, according to age and size.

You should not choose an old mate for a young one. Old age dogs may suffer humiliation from young dogs when playing. In the case of Dog Park, always estimate that adequate space is available for individual dogs. Otherwise, the possibility of a crash occurs.

It is significant to be aware of the body language of your dog. It helps you to decide the situation and choose a playmate for him. If you can help him select the perfect playmate, it will help him develop his self-esteem.

You can select the playmate based on their playing styles. Look for similar types of dogs when you choose to pair your pet dog. Does your dog like playing with the other dog? If you see your pet happy to play, then you are right in your selection.