It's always best to start socializing your dog as early as possible, but it's never too late to begin. Sure, they may be a little bit behind the curve compared to their younger counterparts, but that doesn't mean they can't learn and enjoy being around other people and dogs.
It's never too late to socialize an adult dog. If your woof lacks experience in the world, take them outside and get started today.
Socializing your dog after the 8 to 16-week socialization window has closed will be more challenging. However, it is never too late. On the contrary, a dog will still benefit from socialization at any age.
An adolescent dog may start to dislike other dogs for a number of reasons. Typically we may see them change because of a rough incident or dog fight, sometimes it's a result of easy to miss long term bullying and sometimes it's just the dog's personality or nature.
Help them get along, even if they get off to the wrong start at first. Dogs are like people in that they may not like a new friend right away. "It can take weeks or months for dogs to get used to new animals, and it'll be important to give the dogs breaks from each other," explains Mahaley.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Dogs will typically react aggressively towards other dogs for two reasons, fear, or they believe the other dog represents a threat. Your dog may perceive a threat to their status or safety, or they may even be protecting you against an apparent threat.
Because of the way the brain develops, dog socializing gets harder as a dog gets older. During early puppyhood, dogs are open to new experiences. With proper early socialization, most puppies will grow up to be comfortable in a wide variety of situations.
Stage 5: Adolescence (6 – 18 months) This can be the most difficult time during a puppy's development – adolescence. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour.
Start by establishing separate areas of the house for each dog using Dog Gates, Dog Crates or other equipment to keep them apart. Do not let the dogs interact again until both have a very strong understanding of the “Leave it” cue (see below). Above: Keeping dogs apart using a crate is a solid idea.
And “because dogs are highly social creatures,” Dr. Borns-Weil says, in most cases, “getting another dog is the right thing to do. Dogs in isolation are not happy.” Even if you are home with your dog much of the day, a second dog in the family might very well be the right choice.
It may take several weeks for the two dogs to get used to each other, so patience is required. But most of the time, dogs are accepting of other dogs, often welcoming the companionship. It's just a matter of an owner setting expectations and being consistent.
While it is never too late to train any dog, a 2 year old dog is actually still very young – just a teenager. Some breeds, especially large breeds don't mature mentally until they are 2-3 years old, and big dogs will grow physically for nearly that long as well.
It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.
Most dogs have to “learn” how to get along with each other. If the dog you are considering has not been socialized properly, it might be best to consider another dog with better social skills. The same goes for your own dog.
Many dogs are out of control when they see another dog. They will whine, bark, lunge, etc… even when the dog is at a great distance. Dogs can act this way out of excitement, frustration, fear, pain, and sometimes out of aggression. There is a much greater chance of improving our dogs behavior when it is predictable.
Having two dogs can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. From easier training to better mental and emotional health (for you and your dogs!), to saving the lives of animals, there are so many solid reasons to adopt a second dog today.
Two dogs can share toys, beds, grooming products, water bowls, larger bags of food, and treats. Safer for you and your furry family members. Two dogs protecting the home are better than one. Also, when you have two pups, they will take care of each other.
Sometimes your dog shows no signs of resentment and aggression when interacting with other dogs on a walk or at the park. But, if the same dog were to visit your home and play with your dog's toy, it might upset him. This would show whether your dog needs a friend or companion.
Under no circumstances should the dogs be allowed to "fight it out." You could be injured due to redirected aggressive attacks, or when you attempt to break up the fight (see below).