Keeping your dog cool in summer
Did you know dogs and cats can get sunburned? Or that short-nosed dog breeds have more trouble cooling down through panting? Or that shaving your dog’s fur coat may be more harmful than not?
During the pandemic, people will have been staying at home for longer periods than usual. As a result, some people may have decided to purchase or adopt a puppy or dog. While all that extra time together can help strengthen the bond you share and make training simpler, it does mean there could be fewer opportunities for exploring and experiencing the world outside.
Similarly, dogs that were previously socialised may find situations have changed during the lockdown – encountering more joggers and cyclists on their walks, for example. Dogs will also likely be aware of people wearing a mask, which considerably changes the visual signs they often use to recognise expressed emotions.
That’s why, as normal life begins to resume, you should try to familiarise or reintroduce them to different experiences through dog socialisation and familiarisation training.
Why is dog socialisation important?
Socialisation is a process of learning in which your puppy is introduced to the world. Any new experience you share with them is part of this socialisation and contributes to their ability to master communication. It could be meeting a new person or another dog, getting in a car, hearing a hairdryer, or just going to a new location.The main socialisation period occurs during the first few weeks of your puppy's life, however, it's important to continue socialisation and familiarisation even when they're an adult dog. Without socialisation, a dog may become fearful or even aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Socialising adult dogs
Unfortunately, not every dog will be properly socialised as a puppy.