Your dog deserves to have an active social life just as much as you, both with other people and other dogs. Providing your dog with healthy, enriching playdates with their regular pals can help them burn off some extra energy and learn how to behave properly around others.
By creating long-term friendships for your dog, you can also befriend other dog owners in your area. Try different ways to help your dog make new friends, and you’ll never know what encounter is waiting for you on the horizon.
Take Your Dog to Public Spaces
Dogs can’t take themselves out around the town: they need you to walk or drive them to new places to meet new puppy pals. So, schedule a few days a week to go on special walks around town to visit parks, nature trails, and pet-friendly local businesses. You may find other dog owners while you’re out and about and can connect with them to schedule a playdate if the two canines get along well enough.
Act cautiously when walking your dog around other dog walkers, however. Some dogs may not enjoy socializing as much and may require distance. Always politely ask the dog owner about introducing your dog before you allow them to interact. If you have a big dog, they might not know their limits and could accidentally injure a small dog while trying to play. Keep a strict grip on the leash and avoid allowing them to run wherever they want.
Have Your Dog Meet Someone From Their Daycare or Boarder
A good dog daycare or boarding service should give your dog plenty of time to socialize with other canine friends throughout their stay. If you’ve searched for a high-quality dog boarding service and have learned everything you need to know about them, you can trust that your pup will meet plenty of new friends while they’re away from home.
Don’t let their friendships end once they leave their boarder, though! Instead, use the shared business as a way to help your dog make new friends. As you pick up or leave your dog, see if you can meet other dog owners who use the service and plan a day to hang out at the park. Then, if you ever need to use the daycare or boarding services again, you’ll know that your dog will have at least one regular companion to keep them company while you’re away.
By staying on top of scheduling regular playdates with neighbors, friends, and family members, your dog will have plenty of opportunities to socialize and become a better pal to strangers at the same time.
