Dogs are curious, sociable, always ready to make friends with their own kind and humans. So why doesn’t your dog accept his new four-legged friend or behave like a madman when you’re out together?
As an animal welfare naturopath I have met many dogs who had some difficulty socializing with other animals and people. None of these were “bad dogs” or incapable of having a peaceful relationship with other creatures.
There may be interaction problems at the root of them strong fears, traumas or ethological and character characteristics which make it difficult for the credit to coexist with the other members of the group.
Fido and sociality
Dogs have a highly developed social instinct but this It doesn’t mean they are always ready to make friends.
Like us, they can have likes and dislikes and then every dog is different, there are the adventurous ones who throw themselves into every adventure with enthusiasm and the shy and slightly fearful ones who need more time. Each animal has its own times and characteristics which can make interaction and coexistence with other bipedal or quadrupedal creatures more or less simple.
Also remember that dogs are very sensitive to stimuli and that their curiosity pushes them to stick their noses everywhere. An overload can cause anxiety, stress and disorientation.
It is normal for us humans to socialize in crowded and noisy places: walks in the historic center, dinners and aperitifs, shopping centers, parties, concerts.
This may be too much for Fido, who may react with it fear, aggression, uncontrolled yelping or other behaviors to signal his discomfort and manage negative emotions in some way.
Dogs and family interactions
Even the introduction of a new puppy dog or other animal into the home can create difficulties for trust and family harmony.
For example:
- An older dog might be annoyed by the presence of a puppy or teenager who wants to play all day.
- If Fido is jealous of his space or his exclusive relationship with his human companions, he may perceive the newcomer as a threat and become aggressive.
- Very sensitive or reactive dogs may be afraid of the presence of other animals in the home and develop anxious states.
The addition of a new four-legged member of the family must always be evaluated based on ethological and character characteristics of the dogs and other animals that already live with you.
An educator or relational ethologist can help you understand if they are there the prerequisites for a peaceful coexistence and how promote socialization as best as possible between trusty and new friend.
If the dog does not tolerate other animals
If the basic conditions are good, the problems of coexistence between the fido and the new members of the family pack are usually temporary. When animals living together establish their own internal hierarchiesthey get to know each other and learn to respect each other’s spaceseverything works out.
What if it doesn’t work and the dog doesn’t tolerate the presence of other animals?
Same as above: ask for help to an expert to understand how to support credit in this difficult moment.
There are many natural remedies that can help the dog feel calmer: bioresonance, crystal therapy or Reiki treatments to dissolve negative emotions, flower essences to overcome fears and traumas.
Stimulating the dog to socialize is important but it must be done in the right way, without forcing the animal to stay in company when it doesn’t want it and respecting its rhythms.
If your dog has a difficult relationship with the other animals in the house and nothing seems to work, find out what we can do together to help him find balance and live peacefully.
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