Your Pets Daily - Socialising dogs

Pandemic Pups Need More Socialisation, Study Finds - Dog Expert Shares Tips To Help

Katie Court — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

A new survey has found that half of UK vets have reported an increasing number of dogs displaying aggressive behaviour following the pandemic puppy boom, with 87% of the dogs examined having been born and raised during the lockdown.

The data raises concerns for vets about the negative impact Covid-19 had on breeding, raising and medically treating pups during restrictions. To improve dogs’ well-being - especially those born during the pandemic - dog experts at Kennel Store have provided several common signs that your pet is becoming increasingly agitated and how to diffuse this behaviour through socialisation tips.

7 Common Signs Your Dog is Displaying Fearful, Territorial or Regular Aggression

Growling or snarling
Biting or snapping
Raised fur and stiff body language
Pinned back ears
Staring or staring down other pets
Excessive barking
Uncontrollable urination or defecation

Tips For Socialising Your Pandemic Pup & Other Dogs

While there is no doubt that the current puppy boom following the pandemic has increased the number of dogs being taken in, it is essential that owners remember that it requires quality training, socialisation, and care.

Dogs are social pets, and their behaviour is heavily influenced by their upbringing. If you adopted a dog while they were a pup during lockdown then it is likely they lacked socialisation to the outside world and appropriate training to deal with overwhelming situations.

However, if you are concerned about their socialisation and how they can interact with new surroundings in the future, there are several ways to assist your dog in acclimating to other animals and people.

1 - Slowly Introduce Them To New Surroundings

When it comes to socialising dogs adopted during the COVID-19 lockdown, starting slowly is critical so you don’t overwhelm them. Introduce them to new people and other dogs one at a time and keep encounters brief and regulated. As the dog feels more at ease, gradually increase the time and frequency of socialisation sessions. Remember to be patient, and consistent, and to prioritise the dog's well-being. If you feel it is necessary, seek a professional dog trainer.

2 - Use Positive Reinforcement

Pups raised during Covid-19 were unable to socialise and new surroundings are likely to have a larger impact on their wellbeing. This includes demonstrating aggressive or fearful behaviour. When socialising dogs adopted during the pandemic, it is important to apply positive reinforcement tactics. This includes rewarding good behaviour with treats that will aid in the development of positive socialisation and encourages similar reactions. This reduces the likelihood of aggressiveness and makes your dog a more delightful companion.

3 - Train Your Dog With Simple Obedience Commands

During lockdown, many dogs missed out on critical socialisation experiences that likely led to aggressive tendencies. The lack of opportunities to interact with other animals may mean they are overstimulated when meeting new people and pets. Basic obedience training to teach your dog to follow simple commands like stay, sit and come lays the groundwork for improved socialisation and reduced aggression. These instructions will help to regulate their behaviour and interactions with others and become better adjusted when facing new environments.

4 - Use Toys To Facilitate Safe Play

Toys can be an effective aid in socialising dogs and making them feel more at ease around other humans and pets. Playing fetch or tug-of-war can take your dog’s attention away from potentially anxiety-inducing situations by having them focus on a single objective. These toys can also help dogs learn how to play well with others and create close bonds. To further reduce the likelihood of aggressive behaviour, select toys that are appropriate for the size and breed of your dog like soft toys for small dogs and robust toys for larger breeds.

5 - Organise a Playdate in a Controlled Environment

Covid-19 meant there were very limited to no opportunities to organise a dog play date which significantly contributes to a pup's socialisation. Regular playdates within a controlled environment like a park or garden can help your dog gain confidence and learn how to appropriately interact with other pets. To ensure a great experience for your dog, consider playmates of a similar size that have a calm demeanour that won’t overstimulate your pet. Remember to supervise your dog's interactions to ensure that they are playing appropriately.

In general, it is vital for owners to prioritise socialising their dogs from a young age, but pups who were raised during lockdown with limited external interaction from the home require additional mental stimulation. Socialisation is a continuous process of exposing your dog to new people, animals, and environments throughout their life, so remember to be patient and considerate of how your pet may display fearful, territorial or frustrated aggression.

Leading Pet Behaviourist shares top tips to safely socialise dogs

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Often bigger breeds of dogs are unfairly stigmatised by the public and seen as scary or frightening, when this very much isn't the case. No dog is born bad and as pet parents, we should all be looking to do right by our pets and raise them in a way to show the friendly and compassionate side that man's best friend is known for.

Leading pet food and wellbeing company Bella & Duke know what it means to be misunderstood. In an attempt to challenge long held misconceptions about the raw pet food, the company set out to see what other misconceptions the UK hold about man's best friend. The UK wide research revealed that the UK perceived the following as the top five scariest dog breeds:

Pitbull Terrier - 48%
Rottweiler - 43%
Mastiff - 22%
Staffordshire Bull Terrier - 22%
Doberman -19%

Bella & Duke's Pet Behaviourist, Liz Lannie, lists her top five tips to not only make sure your canine companion can be comfortable meeting new people, but also put others at ease and dispel their own misconceptions:

Understand your dog – Dogs don't have a universal language, they all communicate with us in different ways. For example, Rottweilers are known for their perceived scary growl, but this comes from a place of excitement, for many this can add to the misconceptions of them being a 'scary' dog so it's important as a pet parent to let people know there's nothing to worry about.
Teach them early – The best way to make sure your furry friend feels comfortable around others is to ease them into it as early as possible. From the puppy phase, meet up with a friend that you know has a trained dog in a calm open area and let them have time to meet new people and experience new things.
Reward good behaviour – When you're building up their courage to meet new people and fellow dogs, reward them when they show good, calm behaviour. When you feel you're both ready, allow a close friend they feel comfortable around to offer them treats to build another level of trust.

Distance them from stress – As many will understand, getting comfortable with new environments can be a lot to take in. If you see signs of stress that can include: ears being tucked back, excessive drooling & panting, shaking and whining. If you notice these signs, just take them away for a few minutes, take a moment to gather yourselves and try to ease them back into the situation.

Patience is key! – You're not going to see an overnight change in your dog's behaviour, these things take time and consistency. Taking your dog out to a new area or to meet a friend is the easy part, keeping this consistency is where the real challenge comes in! Take your time and keep trying, after time you'll see progress and ultimately build healthy and happy relationships with new friends for your dog.

Liz Lannie, Pet Behaviourist at Bella & Duke, added: "We really believe that no dog deserves to be labelled as scary or frightening. It's our responsibility to do right by our pets and create an environment where they can live a life well loved, full of friends and adventures. We know ourselves, change won't come overnight. Take the time each day to implement some type of training whether it's switching up your usual walking route or meeting a friend for a puppy play date, slowly but surely if you're consistent you will see changes."

To find out more about how to train your pets visit: https://www.bellaandduke.com

Top tips for taking your dog out to Brunch with friends

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 09:28:47 +0000

There's no doubt that we have an unwavering love for our four-legged friends, with the UK dog population reaching an estimated 12 million in 2021. But just how socially acceptable is it to bring our canine companions with us to a brunch reservation with friends or family members rather than leaving them at home on the weekend?

More often than not, we are inseparable from our furry companions, and having to leave them behind to go to a restaurant which doesn't welcome pets can be traumatic for both parties, especially after almost 2 years of living through the restrictions and lockdowns associated with lockdowns.

Luckily, there are countless dog-friendly restaurants around the UK for brunch lovers and their canine companions to enjoy together.

So, how do you ensure that your pooch doesn't stir up any chaos whilst enjoying an outing together? Below, the team at Bottomlessbrunch.com have compiled a guide with some top tips on bringing your four-legged pooch with you for an indoor or outdoor brunch experience.

Do your research first

It is important to do your research on dog-friendly brunch restaurants before booking. Dog owners should be looking at what amenities a location offers (dog bowls for water or shaded tables on a hot day), and whether dogs are allowed inside or if there is only outdoor seating for those with a four-legged friend in tow.

You can also call ahead to see if the management has any specific guidelines or restrictions for guests with dogs, including seasonality and breed. When you book your reservation, make a note that you plan to bring your pooch, so the restaurant staff can seat you appropriately.

Go for a walk first

The last thing any dog owner needs is their dog to get hyper and have 'zoomies' whilst dining in a restaurant. The more restless your pooch gets, the higher that chance that other patrons will be bothered by your dogs whining and potential chaos.

For those with a younger or more hyperactive dog, it's essential to take them on a lengthy walk prior to your brunch booking.

In addition to cutting down on energy levels, this will also reduce the chances of an accident. No one wants to have to leave the restaurant to take their dog out halfway through eating - taking them for a walk before arriving at the restaurant gives them a good chance to empty their bladders and bowels ahead of time.

Allowing your dog to get some exercise before arriving at the restaurant will also release endorphins that will make them much happier and more relaxed during your outing.

Keep them close

When you're in an open area and walking your pooch a retractable leash might seem like a good idea, so your dog has more room to roam. But when it comes to dining with your pooch in a restaurant setting, retractable leads are a big no-no. Retractable leads don't give dog owners full control of their dogs, especially in smaller settings.

Whilst dining you must be considerate of other diners who may not want your dog approaching them whilst they are eating. As well as this, retractable leads can be a tripping or safety hazard for other restaurant customers and staff walking around your table.

Make sure your dog has access to water

This may seem like a no-brainer, but when you're running late and in a mad dash to make it out the door, it's easy to forget. Although many restaurants will provide a dog bowl for water if you ask, in the scenario they don't provide or have any available, dog owners should pack their own. This is especially important if walking your dog before attending the restaurant as they will be thirsty after the exercise.

Bring toys or treats to keep them occupied

Out of respect for other restaurant diners, ensure your pup has their own space and won't be begging for food or demanding attention from you or others. In addition to a water bowl, you might consider bringing some of their favourite ways to pass time so you won't have to tend to them every second. Chew toys, sticks, and treats are great ways of keeping your pooch occupied without disturbing any other diners - although it might be best to leave the squeaky toys at home!

Even providing your pooch with a familiar blanket or towel for them to sit or lie on during your visit will help them to relax and will provide them with a comfy spot to sleep or rest.

Keep an eye on your dog

Be sure to listen to your dog and keep a watchful eye on their body language, just like us, sometimes our dogs are just not in the mood to be social or are feeling uncomfortable in the situation they are in. If your dog appears stressed or anxious, it is best to take them out of the situation, as the longer they feel that way in a public space, the more difficult it will be to settle them in a similar setting in the future.

Also understand that not all dogs are the same and some simply do not take to crowded places with lots of people and other dogs. Crowded places can make many dogs feel anxious and afraid. If you notice your dog displaying fearful body language when you have friends or family at the house or when out in public for a walk, your dog is probably not feeling safe in their environment (and probably wouldn't enjoy dining at a restaurant with you).

Look out for any signs of anxiety which can include ears back tight against the head, whites of the eyes easily seen, cowering, stiff body, or trembling.

Your Pets Daily - Socialising dogs

Pandemic Pups Need More Socialisation, Study Finds - Dog Expert Shares Tips To Help

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Leading Pet Behaviourist shares top tips to safely socialise dogs

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Top tips for taking your dog out to Brunch with friends

Do your research first

Go for a walk first

Keep them close

Make sure your dog has access to water

Bring toys or treats to keep them occupied

Keep an eye on your dog

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