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Socializing your dog is important from an early age. When dogs are socialized as puppies, they tend to be better behaved and more relaxed. It’s safer for everyone, and they’ll grow up less likely to be aggressive or fearful.
However, when you have a full-grown dog or a puppy with a disability, it can be a challenge to properly socialize them. They might not be able to run freely around the local dog park or even schedule a playdate without wondering how they might be feeling that day.
Your disabled dog doesn’t have to live a life of loneliness or go without proper socialization. With a little time, creativity, and dedication, there are plenty of ways to socialize your disabled dog. Doing so will benefit them and help you maintain your sanity and have peace of mind knowing your four-legged friend is getting the interaction they need and deserve.
So, how can you effectively and safely socialize your canine companion? Let’s look at a few ideas you can put into practice.
When people have chronic conditions or disabilities, it’s normal for them to have good days and bad days. Sometimes, the pain might not be so extreme. Other times, it takes everything they have to be able to get out of bed.
Dogs with disabilities are similar. Unfortunately, your furry friend can’t tell you verbally when they’re having a “bad day,” but you should be able to pick up on some cues.
Because you never know when those harder days will occur, it can be difficult to plan a playdate with other pups that require you to leave the house. If your dog injured itself or needed immediate medical attention, being away from home would make things much harder to deal with.
So, consider making your home the “central hub” for canine companionship. Host playdates in your house or yard for your dog and their friends. Even getting everyone together once a week or so can make a big difference in your dog’s mental and physical well-being, and you’ll take comfort in knowing exactly what to do and how far you might need to go in case of an emergency.
If you do decide to host puppy playdates at home, make sure your house is safe and well-prepared for other dogs, not just yours. You can puppy-proof your space by
The safer your place is for all of your dog’s friends, the less you’ll have to worry about them as they run around, play, and burn off some energy.
When your dog has a disability, it’s not always possible for them to go on a long walk to the nearest park and spend an hour or two running around with other fun-loving canines. However, it’s important to make sure they stay active (we’ll touch on that a bit more later!).
So, what can you do to make sure they’re around other dogs while keeping them as active as possible? Choose dog-friendly, walkable communities with easy access to dog parks. That might mean putting them in your car and driving a few miles to get to a different neighborhood, but a walkable path will make a big difference for your furry friend.
Most walkable communities are close to parks and open spaces that will allow your dog to meet other people and canine companions to socialize with. These close-by locations won’t wear your dog out, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re close enough to your car (or home) that it won’t be a struggle to safely get back if need be.
When you go for a walk in these communities, you can also expect smooth terrain and clear paths. That’s much easier for a dog with a wheelchair, so they can enjoy longer walks without having to worry about dealing with obstacles in their way.
Making sure your dog gets enough exercise is crucial. While it’s important for every dog to stay active, it’s especially beneficial for dogs with disabilities. Exercise will help them keep up their strength and mobility. Keeping them inside and inactive will usually make their condition worse.
Depending on your dog’s ailment, you might have to get creative with their physical routine.
For example, consider choosing forms of exercise that are easier on their joints. There are even certain exercises that will keep your dog active and improve their quality of life while decreasing their pain, including
If you’re interested in trying an alternative therapy for your dog to keep them physically active, talk to their veterinarian about the best options. There are also therapies that don’t require as much physical activity, including acupuncture and chiropractic therapies. If you choose a holistic vet or one willing to practice physical therapy, it might be worth it to invest in pet insurance for your dog.
While exercising your dog or introducing them to different therapies won’t help with socialization directly, it can improve their well-being to the point where it might be possible for them to go on more frequent walks, or even head to the local dog park. The better they feel and the less their disability holds them back, the more “normal” activities they can enjoy with other pups.
Whether you recently took in a disabled puppy and you’re trying to socialize them for the first time or you’re attempting to improve the life of an older dog who was never properly socialized, it’s never too late (or too difficult) to introduce a disabled dog to other canines and to establish healthy connections.
Will you have to put in a bit of extra work? Probably. However, seeing your disabled dog live a fuller, happier life will make everything worth it. You’ll love knowing they’re happier and as healthy as possible while training them to be calm and relaxed.
