Our furry friends will follow us anywhere, after all, there’s a reason they’re man’s best friend. We take care of them, making sure they eat right, get plenty of exercise, and make regular visits to the vet, but one thing we may overlook is whether or not our canine companions are getting the proper amount of socialization with humans and other dogs they need to live a happy, healthy life. The benefits of dog socialization can have an overwhelmingly positive impact on your dog’s well-being.

Where to Begin

Many animal behaviorists recommend beginning socialization as  early as 3 to 16 weeks , that way your puppy can become familiar with different environments and individuals, reducing the possibility of anxiety and aggression later in life. As your pup grows into an adolescent, they’re ready to interact with other dogs and continue to meet new people. Taking them to dog parks or setting up play dates that allow your dog to interact with other canines in a relaxed environment will help them understand how to properly behave around others.

Socialization and Your Dog’s Health

While socialization may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of taking care of our dog, it is an important part of their physical and mental health. If not properly socialized, dogs can run the risk of  serious health ailments  including:

• Unhealthy hormones- induced by unfamiliar places, pets, and people, fear can have a negative impact on your dog’s overall health. Corticosteroid hormones are released along with adrenaline as part of the “fight or flight” response. While corticosteroid hormones help with heart rate and blood pressure, they can also suppress proper immune system function and cause muscles to break down.
• Aggressive behavior- Poorly socialized dogs may respond to fear by acting out aggressively, making visits to the vet and grooming appointments difficult, which may result in a negative impact on the dog’s care. It may also make owners wary about taking the dog outdoors for walks or to get exercise so as to avoid interaction with other pedestrians, which can lead to obesity and other health conditions.

Doggy Daycare and Promoting Healthy Social Habits

Promoting healthy socialization habits for your dog doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, one of the easiest ways to do it is by enrolling them in doggy daycare. Here they have an opportunity to interact with other dogs under the supervision of experienced caregivers who are trained to promote positive behavior.

At  Dog Day, Every Day!  we believe in providing a fun and healthy environment for our furry friends. Under the care of our trained staff, your dog will have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs, as well as play, exercise, or relax in a warm and friendly atmosphere. So if you’re looking to enroll your pet,  contact us  today or call us at 513-860-DOGS (3647).