Tips for Socializing an Older Dog

Ideally, puppies are socialized early in life by being exposed to as many new experiences as possible before they reach twelve weeks of age. Sometimes, however, you're faced with the task of socializing an older dog. Perhaps you've adopted an older dog that was never properly socialized, or circumstances beyond your control prevented you from being able to properly socialize your young pup. Maybe your adult dog simply needs a refresher course after being away too long from other people and/or pets. Whatever the reason, socializing adult dogs is quite a bit different from socializing puppies.

What is Dog Socialization

Dog socialization is the practice of acclimating your dog to other people and pets to help him better behave in these types of situations. In this process your dog will spend time with new groups of people (including children) or other pets and getting him more and more comfortable being in these types of situations. Spending time immersed in situations that cou

Signs Your Dog Isn't Socialized

Let's start with what dog socialization is in the first place. It is the practice of acclimating your dog to new people, places and pets in an effort to help him better behave in new and unfamiliar situations. After all, you don't want your dog to jump up on people, nip at children or cower when confronted by a larger dog. Without proper socialization, dogs may become anxious and fearful of anything unfamiliar. This could give rise to serious behavioral problems, such as aggression or nervous behavior. Here are some signs that your older dog needs to be socialized, according to Dogster:

• Is he fearful or aggressive around people or other animals?
• Does he back up or raise his hackles (hair on his back) when you or another person approaches?
• Is he nervous when out on walks?
• Is he shy around other dogs or people?
• Is he overly excitable that can cause anxiety in other pets or people?

Socializing Adult Dogs

Socializing puppies is simply a matter of exposing them to as much of the world as possible. When done at the right age, they easily absorb new experiences into their sense of what's normal. Socializing an older dog, on the other hand, can be a different challenge. Depending on the size and breed, some situations have the potential to become dangerous if the dog should respond aggressively to something or someone. Here are some ways to safely go about socializing your adult dog:

• Use a muzzle: Especially with larger breeds, a muzzle may help prevent any unfortunate incidents should your dog become aggressive. Dogs pick up on their humans' moods, so if you and the other people your dog interacts with are calm and relaxed, your dog may be more likely to remain calm and develop positive associations.
• Take him on walks: Going on walks not only expose him to new sights, sounds, smells, strangers and animals, but it will also allow him to burn off nervous energy, which may be calming. Don't tug on his leash or scold him if he barks or responds in an undesirable manner. Instead, distract him with treats or his favorite toy if he begins to act fearful. Sometimes, just turning him and heading in the opposite direction can be enough to help calm him down.
• Work up to taking him to the dog park: A dog park is a great place to acclimate your dog to other dogs and people, but taking him inside right away would be like throwing a new swimmer into the deep end of the pool. Instead, for the first few trips, stick to walking your dog around the perimeter of the park, letting him watch the other dogs from a distance. Gradually work up to letting him approach the fence to sniff and interact with other dogs, and give him a treat whenever he does so in a friendly manner, to increase positive associations. If he reacts fearfully or aggressively, move him away from the fence and work your way back up to approaching it again.
• Introduce friends and family one at a time: With your dog on a leash, have new people approach him slowly, offering him a treat while speaking in a low, calm, encouraging voice. Avoid high-pitched baby talk, which could frighten your dog. Allow strangers to give him treats or his favorite toy, so he can form positive associations with this person. If he pulls back or cowers, don't press the issue as it could make him more anxious, but rather have them try at another time. Choose times when he seems more playful or loving.
• Stay calm and act normal: Whenever your dog becomes frightened and acts up, the worst thing you can do is draw attention to his behavior, which will only reinforce his fear. It's better to ignore your dog's anxious behavior and instead act calm and relaxed, showing him in the process that there's nothing to be afraid of.

The key thing to remember when socializing an older dog is that it takes time and a lot of repetition. Be patient with your dog, and don't be discouraged if his progress is slow. Creating a calm, loving environment for your dog, along with positive associations with each new experience, will go a long way toward dispelling his fear and helping him become a happy, well-balanced dog. And if you ever need more help in learning how to socialize your older dog, speak with a professional trainer or your vet.