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Adjusting Your Dog To A Post-Pandemic World. WRITTEN BY: FERN WOODEN, Staff Writer
Last March, the world saw something no one could have ever predicted: a viral pandemic that required us to tailor our lives to staying inside. A beautiful thing came out of the pandemic; a surge in adoption and foster rates for both cats and dogs by 12 percent occurred in 2020! As more people stayed home and work-life moved there, individuals could dedicate more time to training and acclimating their pups. Although it has been proven dogs help with loneliness and coping with a crisis, according to the American Kennel Club, pet owners are faced with a new issue of the socialization of their furry friends. Picture this: you just adopted a dog during the pandemic, but with everything closed down, what do you do to help socialize your dog? It is easy to focus on your dog who lacks social skills after spending formative time inside with everything opening back up. There is a solution for those owners who feel lost and confused about breaking the dog’s bad social habits. Part of the issue with mingling your dogs with strict social distance rules is introducing them to other people’s dogs without breaking the sixfeet rule. Thankfully with vaccinations on the way, people are more open to bringing their dogs to parks, dog-friendly events like Lowcountry Dog Magazine’s Eat Drink Rescue, and mingling at dog-friendly bars and restaurants. Here are some tips and tricks to help socialize your dog while adhering to social distance rules.
Taking your dog for car rides is a great and safe way to get them out of the house and socialized. Just keep them safe and secure in the car, the above is not advised. Also, leaving your dog in the car is never recommended, so make sure you are taking them somewhere dog-friendly. Photo by Adobe Stock
A Place to Call Home For starters, understanding both your dog’s and your boundaries when it comes to feeling comfortable in crowds or around other people in general can help ensure a safe and happy time for both of you. Experts suggest socialization is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. When socializing your dog with other animals and people, it is necessary to always reward them with positive reinforcement to ensure those behaviors become routine. Think of it as a game for you and your dog by providing a treat for every positive action presented to you. Depending on your dog’s age, exposure to some aspects of your home can vary in intensity. For puppies whose minds are developing alongside each trick and experience presented to them, it can be easier to socialize them than shelter dogs. Shelter dogs have a unique history that shelter workers may not even know about, for example an abusive history that leads to anxiety and trust issues. Introducing your pet to a new area of your house and around it each day provides a safety net for them to express their curiosity without fear of repercussions or judgment.