Why Does Your Rescue Dog Have Trouble Socializing?
Rescue animals display behavioral issues that may surface as time passes. If you are one such pet owner who has rescued a dog and is wondering how to socialize dogs, the answer is simple. This involves making your furry pal comfortable with other humans, canines, and novel environmental elements.
The new setting you introduce your rescue dog to, whether rural or urban, should not unnerve your pet. City landscapes are riddled with heavy noise pollution from vehicular traffic and construction chaos which can get intimidating for a rescue dog.
After puppies, rescue canines are found wanting in the socializing skills department. Your loyal companion’s history and abilities should dictate your approach to familiarizing them with the social concept.
Body Language Reveals All
Even if the animal shelter from where you adopted your dog is unable to shed light on its history, closely observe the canine’s body language. Should your pet pooch have undergone traumatic experiences between three to sixteen weeks of age because of fear of certain new things?
Neglect is a leading cause of behavioral issues in rescued animals. Should the original owner have failed to make the dog feel loved and cared for by spending quality time with it, fearful aggression sets in eventually? If the canine was manhandled and constantly reprimanded, that too adversely impacts its social life.
Watch out for the listed visual signs of anxiety or discomfort in your rescued pet before you try to make them comfortable with other dogs. When you are thinking about how to socialize dogs? Pay attention to these signs:
- Crouched body
- Tucked tail
- Whining
- Flattened ears
- Repeatedly licking the nose or lip
- Attempting to run away and hide
- Shaking body
- Yawning
Facilitate a Smooth Transition
Avoid overwhelming your rescued canines by compelling them to suddenly face challenging exposures. If they perceive a threat, they may resort to aggression as a defense mechanism by barking, growling, or snarling.
Instead, acclimatizing them gradually is essential as it allows the concerned animal to set a comfortable pace that aids a smooth transition. As you attempt to positively introduce your pet to busy streets and new playmates, a little hesitation on the rescued dog’s part is natural.
By yelling and scolding a scared creature you only stress them out further. Better still is to pacify the canine by calming its nerves. Showering physical affection, dishing out edible treats, and playful interactions will help you earn your four-legged companion’s trust and eliminate all fear.
Adoption of Socializing Practices
Socializing a rescued creature is different from working with a pup. The former is wary of the world and incidents from their past could come back to haunt them. Make sure you introduce your rescued canine to its social side by:
- Keeping encounters positive through the liberal distribution of treats, praising, and encouraging your dog for every progress made
- Starting small like by walking your pooch down a quiet residential street instead of directly introducing him to a bustling road
- Keeping encounters between your rescued furry pal and others brief
So commence with the socialization exercise by depending on the pros familiar with canine behavior for advice and assistance in this regard. When you adopt the recommended approach, it will yield a desirable outcome.
