Dogs are pack animals and naturally tend to be quite social – although some prefer solitude, and that’s okay! Dog socialization is a key aspect to leading a happy and worry-free lifestyle. To socialize your dog properly takes a lot of intentional work. While most people associate dog socialization with puppies – which is very important – it’s never too late to socialize your dog. Adult dogs benefit from socialization work just as much as puppies do. Some dogs may never be social butterflies, but here are five easy ways you can introduce a dog of any age to socialization work.
  1.     Doggy playdates If your dog is generally well-behaved and familiar with certain dogs, playdates can be a great way to refresh and sharpen those socialization skills. Scheduling playtime with a known dog that yours has history with reduces chances for conflicts and provides each with an energy outlet while working on their intrapersonal skills.
If it’s been a while since your dog has seen his friend, take the intros slow and schedule to meet on neutral territory. Once both are comfortable, it’s okay to let them play and interact as normal.
  1.     Go on new walking paths Socialization doesn’t always mean direct contact with other people and dogs. Exploring new walking paths and parks are a great way to energize your dog and develop social skills. A new area means increased likelihood of unfamiliar scents and scenes. This allows your dog to use his brain to learn new things about his environment and who frequents there. It’s also a great opportunity to pass and meet new faces, further strengthening your dog’s social outlets.
  2.     Introduce to non-canine animals Have a canine-to-canine socialization expert? Up the ante by introducing him to non-dog friends if you haven’t already. It’s said cats and dogs don’t get along but that trope has long since been disproven. Try introducing your dog, slowly, to a friend’s cat – or even some livestock. Start slowly and be sure to keep your dog leashed to avoid any complications. The more well-rounded your dog’s social circle is, the more likely it is that he won’t be thrown off when being exposed to new animals and situations.
  3.     Pack walks Many communities and dog trainers will organize pack walks. It is exactly what it sounds like – a group of owners and their dogs gather to take a walk together. This is an excellent opportunity for you both to network, make friends, and work on your on-leash manners. It’s a great outlet for your dog’s energy and can reinforce your dog’s ability to bond with others.
  4.     Attend dog daycare The ultimate source of controlled and supervised dog socialization is daycare. Doggy daycares allow your dog to romp with others while under the careful watch of their caretakers. Many dogs thrive in daycare, expending energy, building relationships, and stimulating their brains. If your dog is up to date on vaccines and well socialized, daycare is an excellent way to allow him to make new friends.