Lack of dogs for socialisation in winter

barbiegirl

We bring Sindy for a walk everyday and up to two months ago, 9 out of 10 nights we'd run into other dogs at a field and all the dogs could play together and Sindy was very well socialised.
Since the winter has drawn in there just aren't as many dogs out, the park in Marley shuts early so we can't take her there in the evenings and when we do see other dogs in the green she's just so much rougher in her play.
I know that this is probably a direct result of not seeing enough dogs. It's like she's so over excited and she barks, does little play growls and tries to lick their faces, which a lot of them don't like.
I feel we nearly need to start her socialisation all over again. We are trying to get to the dog park at weekends, but this isn't always possible. Would another dog help?? Is there anything else we can do??

dvet

Hi OP,
Your dog looks lovely It doesn't sound like too much to be worried about to be honest, I would say that she is just getting a bit hyper/excited because she hasn't had as many opportunities to play with other dogs recently.
In general, the important socialisation period for dogs is from 3 wks old to about 16wks of age, so I don't think you should have to worry about re-socialising her - I'd say that once things go back to normal, so will she.
Meanwhile, it might help if you get her plenty of toys etc to keep her busy and give her plenty of 'play time' at home. Loads of boardsies recommend kongs, the toys that you can stuff with food - keeps them busy for hours


(Just a small warning though - if she starts to actually get aggressive towards the other dogs/owners then this is much more serious - it would be best to keep her on the lead/consider a muzzle/talk to a real dog behaviourist (there are some really really good dog behaviourists out there, and if you have any issues with aggression then they are worth their weight in gold) - likewise with keeping her on the lead if she's making other dogs/owners nervous!)

toadfly

Oh my god your dog is beautiful

barbiegirl

There are no signs of aggression, more over excitement. The noises she makes when excited does make some owners nervous, so we have been trying to keep her on lead until she is introduced properly and both the other owners and us are happy that they play in a similar manner. Plenty of pouncing and stuff. The problem I guess is we don't meet enough dogs full stop, so when she does it's like all her birthdays have come together.
Come the spring I'll just have to work hard with her again.
Oh and she does have plenty of kongs, squeeky toys, chew bones, balls, teddies, the lot. She's very playful, but mainly with my hubbie, he's for play and I'm seemingly for walks and cuddles :-)
And yes she is gorgeous and spoilt

Whispered

barbiegirl wrote: »

she's just so much rougher in her play.
....... It's like she's so over excited and she barks, does little play growls and tries to lick their faces, which a lot of them don't like.

It's excitement - my fella is ALWAYS like that even in the height of summer when he spends every weekend with other dogs. It's nothing to worry about, she should go back to normal when she gets her routine back.