According to experts, it’s ideal to socialize a dog when they are still a puppy. However, since this isn’t always possible, owners can still work on socializing adult dogs.
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“Older dogs can learn to have a lot of fun with you,” explained Carol Erickson, animal advocate from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Pennsylvania, to CBS News.
Before owners begin to socialize their dogs, patience is important, according to Erickson. Older dogs are typically less open to socialization than puppies, and owners should understand that the process may take longer than expected.
Erickson cautioned that owners should be prepared for the process to take weeks to months, depending on the dog, emphasizing the importance for dog owners to begin socializing their dogs with specific goals in mind.
If you want your dog to get along well with children or play in a dog park, having a specific goal can help the owner and the dog determine the best training methods.
Additionally, the expert stated that dog owners should also learn to read their dogs’ body language. If something triggers a reaction, whether it’s aggressive or fearful behavior, it’s important not to push it.
“These older dogs can be socialized, you just need to take it slow. Learn the body language, they will tell you what triggers them and when you need to back off and go a bit slower,” emphasized Erickson.
This content was created with the help of AI.
