Dogs

How to get dogs socialized?

Reading Time: 3 min
Socialização dos cães

How to socialize dogs with other dogs?

Many dog ​​owners are afraid to take their dogs to public places for fear of the animal’s reaction and even some situations that may occur. Dog socialization can be crafted and shaped so you can add a second dog to the family or walk it in public places.

Baby dogs

For your dog’s socialization to be natural and fluid with other dogs, it is normal for it to start meeting other animals and even people when it is still a baby. It is at this time that dogs begin to get familiarized. It is easier to lose fear because of their young and dynamic spirit, and they even adopt certain behaviors observed in other animals.

Baby dogs should only contact other dogs when they are appropriately vaccinated. If they have interacted with other dogs without the vaccination plan up to date, some diseases can be transmitted to them.

Observation

The socialization process should always begin with observation and eye contact for both baby and adult dogs. The owner must introduce the animal slowly and within a safe distance. Calming the dog at this point is a great help to show that has nothing to worry about.

Approximation

If the dog is calm during the observation and even with a happy attitude towards the other dogs, you can start approaching, but always in safety. Note that the owner knows his dog, but does not know the other dogs, so it is essential to understand the opening on the other side.

Dog socialization in the same house

Observation

Bringing a second dog into a home that was already an older dog territory can be a tricky step. However, the process must happen as it happens in public places.

Dogs have an instinct to want to get close to others, however, the problem happens when they start to sniff, and one of the sides may have negative reactions. This reaction means that the dog was not ready to approach and felt a stranger had invaded its personal space.

To prevent this from happening, leave the two dogs apart for some time to observe each other and pet each one so that both can see that there is nothing to fear. If the owner is not afraid and approaches, the dog will realize that he can do it.

This is a crucial step so that there are no fights between the animals. It is also essential that you give affection to both dogs so that there is no feeling of jealousy.

Approximation

After verifying that the dogs are interacting and showing a positive attitude, it’s time to approach. Be aware of any signs of aggression at this time, as it is when the two dogs come to each other that they smell each other and get to know each other.

Dogs are very transparent in their feelings and, when they don’t like it, it is easily understandable. If either side shows displeasure, give more time in the observation phase. We advise you to exchange toys between them so that they get used to each other’s smell.

Other care to take at home

Even if the dogs are interacting well, you must respect each other’s space: separate food, food and drink plates, beds, and even sanitary mats and trays.

Even though they are very friendly, dogs are territorial, and sometimes a baby dog ​​in its innocence does not understand this. Protect the oldest dog’s space in the house.

Precautions to be taken in the relationship between owner and dogs

Also, the way you deal with each dog will have to be respected. Dogs are very people-oriented and look up to their owner as “their god.” The owner must take special care to give both dogs the same attention.

With the arrival of a second dog, it is expected that more attention is given to it for the sake of integration and even novelty. Still, this situation will only trigger negative reactions in the older dog. Be especially careful and attentive to your interactions with each.

What to do with dogs that are constantly barking?

Reading Time: 2 min
Cães que estão sempre a ladrar. O que fazer?

It is very common for baby dogs to bark frequently. They are growing, and in this phase, they start to get to know themselves and the world around them and a way to get the owner’s attention.

It is through barking that dogs express their feelings and emotions. However, when it becomes an apparent addiction, it can bring a set of less good situations for the owner’s life, namely conflicts with neighbors.

Through some techniques, you can reduce the frequency with which your dog barks, teaching him when he should and when he should not bark. Get to know the methods!

Top 5 reasons dogs bark:

-Get the owner’s attention
-Happiness and excitement
-Fear and anxiety
-Give warning signs
-Annoyance

How to teach your dog to bark less:

1. Do not scream
The goal is to educate, and if you yell, it will just scare the dog. Stay calm and convey that calm to the animal.

2. Explore all causes
Confirm possible reasons why your dog is barking and eliminate them as much as possible. The animal can bark because it is hungry or wants to relieve itself.

3. Physical exercise
Make your dog run and expend energy to combat boredom and promote a state of calm.

4. Toys
In addition to physical exercise, giving your dog toys to entertain himself with is an aid that allows the animal to fight depression. Don’t leave your dog alone for too long, especially without having fun.

5. Educate
Try to teach your dog when to bark and when not to. Calmly ask it to stop barking and reward when it does. Use positive reinforcement as a gift, such as treats.

When to seek professional help

Before looking for a dog training professional, you must ensure that your dog does not have any health problems. We recommend that you visit the veterinarian to ensure that no severe issues bother your dog, causing him to bark frequently.

After confirming that everything is ok, look for a dog behavior trainer to help you control your pet’s barking. Use anti-bark collars only when the trainer recommends, as they are uncomfortable and may bother the animal for a few hours. Oppressing your dog from his natural behavior will only make him sad and discouraged.

In either situation, remain calm and do not hit the dog. Barking is often a problem with resolution, but the owner will have to be very patient and spend some time teaching the animal.

Baths: Everything you need to know

Reading Time: 3 min
Banhos dos cães

Can I bathe my dog?

Bathing the dog should be seen as necessary and should not be part of the routine. Cleaning several times can cause severe skin problems, as excessive bathing damages the lipid layer, a layer with a protective function that protects the skin from the outside, and dehydration. On the other hand, with weight and measure, the bath can help the animal fight against those dermatological diseases.

The frequency of baths varies according to lifestyle and time of year since in summer there is a greater tendency to bathe dogs, which is even advisable.

Can I bathe my dog ​​after vaccinations?

Both adult dogs and baby dogs can only be bathed 15 days after being vaccinated to prevent them from catching a cold and the immune system getting busy dealing with the cold instead of the vaccine.

Frequency of baths

Longhaired dogs: Once a month
Medium-haired dogs: Once at 4 or 6 weeks
Shorthaired dogs: Once at 6 or 8 weeks

Baths

-Brushing: Choose a brush ideal for your dog’s coat type. Remove excess hair, dust, or other dirt. You can brush the dog before the bath to remove the loose fur and during the bath.

-Shampoo: The type of shampoo to use varies according to the kind of hair and is a crucial element to consider when bathing because there are different hairs with different hydration needs. Do not use shampoos for people, as shampoos for dogs contain tolerable substances for their skin, unlike shampoo for people.

Note: Completely remove the shampoo to avoid itching or dryness of the skin.

-Water temperature: Avoid very high and very low temperatures. Use warm water, but never forget the season.

-Safety: Dogs tend to slip in the bathtub, so it must be appropriately secured. Choose to put towels on the bathtub floor to give the dog security and make it feel comfortable.

-Drying: Use towels in the hottest months of the year to absorb excess water and a dryer in the coldest months to dry your dog completely. Be careful when drying, so you don’t burn the skin! Move the dryer away slightly and keep a safe distance.

-Ears: The ears must be protected when bathing since the entrance of water can cause otitis in the animal. When washing, be especially careful with the ear canal and clean the inside with a suitable product. Do not use cotton swabs, cotton, or water or shampoo directly.

Give your dog time to get used to the bath. Some dogs get tense and scared, so calm your pup and take your time to complete the task. Avoid negative tones of voice, so you don’t scare the animal, and wet it calmly.

The famous dry bath

As its name implies, dry shampoo is a shampoo that does not need water. It is ideal for cleaning the dog in times with lower temperatures and for quick action in the hygiene of the animal.

Dry shampoos clean and moisturize the coat, fighting dirt and odors that insist on not leaving. Of course, dry shampoo is unlikely to be successful if the dog walks in the mud. In these cases, the best thing to do is to use water, but dry shampoo is efficient for specific instances in which it is just a more pungent hair smell, or the hair needs extra shine. This is also a valid option for sick dogs or dogs going through a post-operative period.

Advantages of dry shampoo:

-It’s great for winter, so the dog doesn’t get cold.
-The shampoo is safe and efficient.
-Can be used on dogs of any age.
-It is a practical and fast process.
-Neutralizes odors and perfumes without harming pores and hair.
-Keep the dog sanitized.

Bath with dry shampoo

In the same way as baths with water, baths with dry shampoo should be preceded by a good brushing to remove dead hair and possible knots.

Dry shampoo should then be applied to the body, except for the head. We advise you to consult the product instructions to use the shampoo correctly. The bath should end with another brushing to remove shampoo residues and even new knots that may have been created.

 

In any bathing options, reassure your dog and cuddle him so that he relaxes and becomes comfortable. Although some dogs show fear at first, this is a task that they quickly get used to, being a matter of time before they become fully familiarized.