Helping a Pooch who has missed early socialization

Your pet could have missed out on socialization for various reasons. Maybe you adopted your pet as an adult and later learned that they had experienced a difficult background. Maybe yours was a “pandemic pup” who missed early socialization due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A dog’s genetic makeup is also known to play a significant role in its behaviour; dogs tend to become less social and more withdrawn as they grow old. Sometimes, underlying medical issues can also cause certain pets to exhibit antisocial behaviour.

Dogs who lack early exposure training may become fearful of unfamiliar people or aggressive towards other dogs. They often experience anxiety outside of their comfort zone and struggle while being handled by the groomer or veterinarian.

From shy to Social with these useful tips

While training a pet who has missed early socialization may require some effort, it is possible. In reality, older dogs often display remarkable curiosity and improved focus, making them just as capable of learning as their younger counterparts. While mature dogs may have unwanted behavior due to a lack of early socialization, these can be addressed with time and patience.

Set realistic expectations

Not every dog is a social butterfly, and that is okay. For instance, instead of expecting your furry friend to play with many dogs at the park, why not expect him to get along with just one or two compatible friends? It will prevent you from getting frustrated and also promote a happier pet.

Ignore unwanted behavior

Whenever your pet gets scared, act as if everything is normal. By calmly continuing with your routine, you can teach him that there is nothing to fear or stress about in the given situation.

Nothing is a big deal

Punishing or yelling at your pet when he is nervous is a strict no. On the flip side, excessively mollycoddling him when he is anxious is not okay either. Both approaches can make a big deal out of the situation, which may increase your pet’s fear. Instead, calmly reassure him with a gentle “it is okay.”

Begin with the end goals in mind

Your primary goal should be to create a low-stress environment for both you and your furry friend. The second goal should to help your pet feel comfortable and safe enough to handle the experiences that will need to happen throughout his life, such as vet visits, grooming sessions, encountering other dogs during walks, or hearing fireworks during Diwali.

Baby steps for the win

Do not thrust too many changes on your pet at once, as this can confuse him. Focusing on one issue at a time is more effective than trying to tackle everything immediately and achieving little. This way, you get to build upon each successive win.

Create a checklist

Develop a checklist to assist you in getting your pet used to various individuals, environments, sounds, and objects that he finds triggering. This resource will help you keep track of the variations in his responses to stimuli.

Start small

Start by exposing your pet to stimuli that he feels reasonably comfortable or safe around. Focus on building his confidence around those and gradually expanding his comfort zone to places, people, and situations that cause him anxiety and stress.

Be patient

Helping an under-socialized pet get out of his shell requires patience. Refrain from imposing strict timelines; allow your pet to advance at his own pace.

ABC of body language

Learn to read and interpret your pet’s body language to assess his comfort level in any given situation. Watch out for stress signals and adjust the distance or intensity of stimuli accordingly. It will help create a more positive socialization experience for your pet

Rooting for reinforcements

Discover what most motivates your pet – it is a specific treat, a particular toy, or being petted by you. Use these high-value reinforcements to help him make a positive connection to a stimulus he perceives negatively. Just make sure that he does not get too distracted by these reinforcements and still manages to retain some level of awareness of his surroundings.

Ascertain thresholds

Find the distance or intensity level where your pet can notice a trigger without feeling overwhelmed. Anything above it would send your furry friend over his stress threshold and cause him to panic. Some of the signs that you should look out for are – aggressive growling and barking, lunging, freezing on the spot, or trying to escape.

Establish a baseline just below his threshold to facilitate effective counter-conditioning. Get your pet comfortable with the baseline and slowly proceed.

Cue in counter-conditioning

Counter-conditioning helps change your pet’s negative emotional response into a positive or neutral one. The goal is to pair positive experiences with your pet’s triggers while keeping him below his anxiety threshold.

For example, when you take out the nail clippers and your pet gets anxious, you should give him his favorite treat before he gets a chance to freak out. This way, he will make the connection between seeing the nail clippers and the positive experience of getting his favorite treats.

Get professional help

Navigating the challenges of working with a pet who has missed early socialization can often seem like a daunting task. Each dog has its personality and set of needs, which makes the journey even more unique. Seeking guidance from a dog behaviorist or professional trainer can be extremely beneficial. They will help you establish a solid foundation for your pet’s socialization journey and will ensure you are on the right path!

Bringing out the best with appropriate training methods

As far as unsocialized or under-socialized dogs are concerned, it is advisable to avoid training methods involving dominance or harsh correction techniques; as such approaches can exacerbate anxiety and lead to more problematic behavioral issues.

Calm the nerves with anti-anxiety medicines

Pets experiencing significant stress may encounter challenges in the learning process. In these cases, appropriate anti-anxiety medications or supplements can facilitate relaxation. You can talk to your vet to know more about these.

Less stress

Environments such as dog parks and dog boarding may not be suitable for unsocialized pets. Likewise, if your pet exhibits difficulty in the presence of children or crowds, keep him indoors in a safe and tranquil space.

To ensure a high quality of life for pets deprived of early socialization, it is essential to focus on mental enrichment, regular exercise, and fostering a strong bond while avoiding forced socialization that could lead to unnecessary stress.