How to help Dogs adapt to a busy lifestyle

If you've recently adopted a dog that's not used to a lot of social interaction or if your once-quiet life with your puppy has suddenly become more hectic, it's important to help your dog adapt to these changes. Dr. Carly Faughn from Best Friends Animal Society offers some tips on how to make this transition smoother for your furry friend.

Helping Dogs Socialize Some dogs may feel comfortable only with their immediate family or other pets in the home, while others might be hesitant around new people or situations. Here are some tips to help your dog have more positive social experiences:

• Walk with Friends: Take your dog on a walk with a friend. Ideally, this should be someone your dog has met before, but any friendly person will do. Bring along some treats and have your friend meet you outside with your dog on a leash. Let your friend give your dog a treat before starting the walk. If your dog is nervous, don’t force them to interact; just walk together and keep rewarding your dog with treats whenever they see your friend. This helps your dog associate the friend with something positive.
• Invite People Over: When you have visitors at home, ask them to give your dog a treat when they arrive. They can continue to offer treats every time they interact with your dog. If you have multiple dogs, use different treats to avoid conflicts. If your dog prefers toys over treats, a quick game of tug can also serve as a reward.
• Training Plan "Watch Over Him": Consider trying a dog training plan like "Watch Over Him," which is designed to help dogs who are struggling with meeting new people.

These strategies are effective for dogs that are mildly to moderately shy or uneasy. If your dog shows more serious signs of fear or aggression, such as snapping at people, it's best to consult a pet behavior expert. You can find professionals through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

If safety is a concern, you might also consider basket muzzle training, which can allow your dog to receive treats through the muzzle while keeping everyone safe.

Traveling with DogsTravel can be overwhelming for dogs, but with some preparation, you can make it easier for them:

• Short Car Rides: Before embarking on a long trip, take your dog on a few short car rides to help them get used to the motion. Start with short drives around the block and gradually increase the distance.
• Practice with Elevators or Stairs: If your travel plans involve staying in a hotel, check if you’ll need to use an elevator or stairs. If your dog isn't used to these, practice using them before your trip. If possible, request a room on the first floor to avoid these challenges.
• Crate Training: If you plan to leave your dog alone in a hotel or rental home, bring a crate and ensure your dog is comfortable with it before you leave home. Also, pack safe toys to keep them occupied while you're out.
• Basic Commands: Regularly practice basic commands like sit, stay, and come. These commands not only reinforce communication between you and your dog but also build their confidence. The familiarity of these commands can provide comfort in new and potentially overwhelming situations.

By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can help your dog adjust to a busier lifestyle while maintaining their sense of security and comfort.