Before getting a dog, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and how a new Sidekick would fit in. Do you travel a lot? Do you want to take him out for lots of runs? Most people want to take their pooch to dog-friendly patios and out on the town. All of these things are so great and what Dog Friendly SA aims to promote. But what if our dogs don’t want to do these things?
We all want our dogs to be friendly, to love every person and dog they come across. But sometimes I have to bust bubbles and say we can’t expect such perfection from our dogs. I’m sure you don’t want to interact with every person you see. I am also sure you’re a nice person, but you’ve had at least one unpleasant run in with someone once in your life. If we can’t be perfect every time we’re in public, we shouldn’t put the same expectation on our dogs. I’m glad that people are getting in the habit of asking “May I pet your dog?” but I also think we need to get comfortable with saying “No, I’m so sorry. He’s not in the mood.”
I always like to share with my clients, too, that our dog’s ideas of socialization changes as they age, just like us! In high school, you could find me at the movies or the mall every weekend. In college, bars were more my scene. Now in my late 20’s, I’d rather be in my PJ’s with a bottle of wine and my dogs. Our dogs go through the same process. It’s no coincidence that most doggy daycares are full of young, energetic dogs under 2 years of age. We sometimes see a shift from our client dogs at around 2 years of age because they no longer want to go clubbin’ with the youngins. Having this conversation with their parents is sometimes tough because they may jump to think their dog is no longer friendly. Their dog is still friendly but just does not enjoy that scene as much anymore.
If you think your dog is going through a fear period, don’t get frustrated with him when he shows signs of fear and don’t ignore them.
Another thing to consider is the fact that our dogs go through fear periods at certain ages. A fear period is a time when normal or everyday stimuli may all of a sudden become scary. Or you may see your dog is a little extra anxious when a new stimulus is presented. The first is usually around 8-10 weeks. We see another around 6-8 months. There is some research being done about whether dogs go through a third fear period later in adulthood around 4-5 years of age. I believe they do as that’s when my Schnauzer, Sully, went through his biggest one. If you think your dog is going through a fear period, don’t get frustrated with him when he shows signs of fear and don’t ignore them. Continuing with your social calendar is important but be sure you’re doing so with lots of treats, patience and maybe some natural anti-anxiety remedies. Be careful not to force your dog into an interaction that makes them uncomfortable as it can solidify the fear.
When I started Pup Pup & Away, I knew that I wanted to go to and vendor at lots of events. Events where there would be lots of people, dogs and kids. I wanted Sully to come along with me because he’s my Sidekick. But when I noticed just how uncomfortable those events made him, I had to make the tough decision to allow him to sit them out (It was a tough decision for me, not for him!). He would sit quietly, hide under my legs, give lots of lip licks and sometimes tremble. I knew I couldn’t project my expectations on him anymore. I would think “I don’t want him to feel left out” but now have to think “He’s much more comfortable at home” and I’m sure he thanks me for leaving him with a tasty chew and Alexa playing some music.
So, if you find that your dog growls at approaching strangers, lunges, trembles, or hides under the table, don’t write it off as “Oh, he’s just grumpy” and consider that he may actually be really uncomfortable in such situations. Or speak up for your dog––just because he’s out hanging with you on a patio doesn’t mean he needs people coming up for pets–– “Oh, I’m sorry, he’s not accepting pets today, it’s his day off ?!”
Or maybe you have the opposite problem where you dog is just so dang excited, he literally cannot contain it! Start your social outings at less exciting places with less hustle and bustle. Take some very high value chews to babysit your Sidekick, and be sure to teach and work appropriate behaviors like a Down-Stay or a Place Bed behavior. Work and proof the behaviors first at home then slowly work your way up the distraction ladder. Be prepared that you’ll have to WORK HARD for a while and won’t get to sit back and enjoy your beer until you can practice often enough that your dog understands his job “OOOOH! I still have to sit on my mat while cool hipsters walk past me!? Ok, but do I still get cookies!?”
Taking our dogs with us everywhere is fun and I hope San Antonio reaches a point where our dogs have access to more places. But it’s also our job as our pet’s parents to notice when a social event might make our dogs uncomfortable, to put aside our expectations and perhaps seek training or look for other outlets to socialize.
Looking for more pet parenting tips? Check out the posts below:
Should I Bring My Dog? | Choosing the Best Adventures for Fido
Well, It Is a YAPPY Hour, Right? | A Dog Trainer Tells All
Calling All Shopaholics: 10 Dog-Friendly Stores in San Antonio
