For most dog owners, having your pet accompany you on special outings only seems right to do. However, this becomes a challenge if your dog is a bit on the unruly side and doesn’t tend to listen to instructions as well as they should in public. If your dog is too playful to handle, here are some etiquette and training tips for bringing them with you on special outings.
Is your pup ready to mingle? Visit the Dog Training Does Matter website for tips and advice on how to get your dog ready for socialization with humans as well as his furry friends!
The introduction process
When training your dog to get used to being around people, it would be helpful to expose your dog to social settings as much as possible. However, this should be done gradually and in small steps where possible. For example, taking your dog to dog-friendly parks is one of getting him used to the crowd. Plus, he’ll also be around his companions, so it won’t be as intimidating. Then you could start by introducing him/her to actual people and allow him to be fussed over or stroked every so often. Again, as your dog is a creature of comfort, it’s about taking gradual steps (with you by his side for reassurance) to help him ease into social settings he’s not used to.
Dog-friendly products to make the transition easier
Of course, when you’re in the great outdoors and there’s a lot of activity around, you’ll want to make sure your dog is comfortable in his surroundings and that you have the tools to rein him in should things get out of hand. Here, we’re referring to items such as a comfortable but sturdy dog leash, your dog’s favorite toy as well as dog-friendly accessories like a collapsible water bowl and a cooling mat for those hot summer days, for example. In this instance, you’ll want to make sure that the cooling mat is appropriate for the occasion, but more importantly, is suitable for your furry companion. Therefore, you should ensure that it’s the correct size, that it’s durable, and that it’s easy to clean. In addition to this, you may also want to check out the cooling method that’s used within the mat itself to ensure that it doesn’t contain any toxic substances that can’t leak out and damage the environment or cause harm to your beloved pet.
Bring your dog to work day
Perhaps it is because your work policy has become more flexible and is now officially pet friendly – a dream scenario for pet owners looking to bring their pet in to work for a day. Or maybe, you’re looking for pet-friendly businesses to take your dog with you to when you’re out on the road with your pup. Fortunately, in the US, there are now plenty of companies that are considered pet-friendly destinations such as the Apple Store, some restaurants, and even Bed, Bath, and Beyond! However, if ever you’re unsure of their pet-friendly policies and can’t find the information you need online, a quick telephone call to inquire couldn’t hurt. Alternatively, reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances on social media, and you’re sure to find some helpful information there too.
Helpful training trips for when you venture out
If you’d prefer to leave the training side of things up to the professionals, you could always opt for signing your dog up to a dog-training class, where you can rest assured that your dog will be left in the capable hands of those that know what they’re doing. On the other hand, if you would prefer to do it alone, and you’re up for the challenge, there are things you can do yourself to help to train your dog to be more obedient in public areas.
Also, it’s important to be receptive to situations where your dog may be feeling anxious and give him the reassurance he needs to remain calm. For instance, using a dog crate to house your dog while he gets used to his surroundings is a good idea. Dog crates are also helpful for a host of other reasons, including for travel purposes and house training. Furthermore, it’ll keep your pet out of harm’s way, as you can never be too careful around other dogs that don’t appear to be quite as friendly.
In summary, training your dog to be more social will require some practice. But most of all, it will require patience and a lot of love from his favorite person to ensure he acclimatizes to public interactions and acclimatizes well.