How you can socialize your older dog

Socializing a dog is, no doubt, better done when the dog is at a puppy stage. This is because, at this stage the dog is more responsive to instructions and more sensitive and receptive to both humans and other dogs. Unfortunately, some dogs haven't got the proper training and socialization that can enable them live peacefully with humans and other dogs alike. If your dog is within this category, are there things you can do to help him acquire the social interactions that he may need to coexist with humans and other dogs? Despite the saying that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", the article below explains in detail that with hard work and patience, you'll be able to imbibe in your older dog some social doctrines and make him be of good behaviour even when around strangers. The followings are the tips to follow if your aim is to have a socialized dog.

Walk your dog regularly

Taking your dog out for a regular walk, rather than confining him to a specific environment, will enable him to be exposed to new sights. This process will enable the dog to get to see other dogs and humans. This exposure will greatly alter the dog's world view to start seeing things in a different perspective. However, in the event that the dog starts barking on other dogs and moving vehicles while you are walking him, the right thing to do at this point is to ignore it. Do not scold him as doing that will send a wrong signal that you are happy or comfortable with what he is doing. However, if he behaves himself, give him a good treat. Giving him a good treat will always make him be of good behaviour knowing that good behaviour brings about good treat.

Take your dog to a dog park
Taking your dog to a dog park is one major way you can socialize him. But it is necessary not to jump into the park as soon as you are there especially if that is the first time your dog will be seeing so many dogs in one particular area. The sight of so many dogs will make your dog to become very anxious, so restrain yourself from getting into the park immediately you get there. But slowly walk your dog around the perimeter of the park and allow him view the other dogs from a distance. Much later, approach the fence and allow your dog to sniff and have interactions with the other dogs. If there is any positive interaction between them, give your dog a good treat but if otherwise, take your dog away and return later when he is calm. Continue taking your dog to the park until he begins to feel comfortable staying around other dogs.

Use a muzzle
The use of a muzzle can bring out a calm behaviour from your dog and put people at ease when around him. In this case, people can feel at ease to interact with your dog. Dogs have the capacity to pick up human moods. If you and the people your dog interacts with always show calm and relaxed mood, your dog will easily imbibe such calm behaviour.

Get people to pay you a visit.
Get your family and friends to visit you one after the other. While your dog is on a leash, allow each new person to approach him with a treat while speaking to the dog in a calm, low tone. Seeing the person speaking to him in a relaxed manner will encourage the dog to be receptive. And as time goes on, the dog will begin to form positive interactions with even strangers.

Watch your mood when around the dog.
Never show any stressed or nervous behaviour when around the dog. Dogs feed on human emotions and can easily take up such behaviour through such body language. Moreover, do not attempt to comfort the dog anytime he is being nervous. Doing that will make the dog feel that there is a good reason to be nervous.

Contact a professional.
If after trying the above tips and your older dog does not respond  positively to people and other dogs, you may consider taking him to an experienced dog trainer who will help to put the dog through different training sessions.