Why Is Socialization With Dogs Important?

You just adopted your puppy and are so excited about the new addition to your family! You can’t wait to train him, play with him and enjoy his companionship. There are so many things to teach your dog in the first year, but there is one important step that is sometimes overlooked. Socialization in young dogs is key to having a friendly pet who is calm and confident in new experiences. If puppies are not exposed to other dogs, people and experiences in a positive manner at an early age, they run the risk of being fearful or aggressive. Our team at Pupsi sees this often, which is why we outlined how you can begin socializing your pup right away and some ideas to make it fun.

Age To Start Socialization

Starting socialization early is the best way to set your puppy up for success. During his first few months of life, your puppy’s behavior and thoughts towards experiences begin to take shape. Because of this, it is very important to expose him to new people, situations and places starting early on. Keep in mind that Pupsi does not take pups until they are fully vaccinated. Whether you are using a daycare or socializing on your own, keep in mind your dog’s health.

How To Start

If your puppy is not up-to-date on shots, the best way to begin is to take your dog with you on walks and to pet-friendly stores. Take them with you on short errands and trips that are dog friendly. This will allow them to take in different experiences while ensuring their safety. If your pet does have all of their puppy shots, then find a daycare you like or play dates with friends who have dogs is a great way to establish positive experiences for your young pup. 

Best Ways to Socialize Your Dog

Doggy Daycare: Daycare is a great way for your pup to meet and play with other dogs while being watched by trained professionals. Pupsi is the largest dog daycare facility in the Triangle and we love helping dogs socialize. Learn more here! 

Playdates: Playdates with your friends or family’s dogs can be a great way to socialize your puppy with dogs that you know are friendly. 

Obedience Training: Training is a great way to stimulate your puppy’s mind and teach them good manners. Pupsi offers obedience training courses, where pups can play and socialize between their daily lessons. Learn more here!

Trips to Dog-Friendly Stores: Taking your puppy out in public to meet other people and learn to behave in dog-friendly stores is a great training and socialization method. 

Questions About Socialization?

If you’re wondering about how to best socialize your puppy, or want to enroll your dog into daycare for socialization, contact the dog experts at Pupsi today!

7 Ways To Exercise Your Dog While You’re At Home

The coronavirus has altered many aspects of our day to day lives, including the implementation of social distancing and working from home. While your pup is probably thrilled that you’re home, they still require the same amount of daily exercise, which can be difficult during this situation.

At Pupsi, we want to make sure that the virus does not impact the health of dogs in negative ways due to lack of exercise, so we put together the top 7 ways to exercise your pup while practicing social distancing. 

1. Dog Daycare
2. Tug-Of-War
3. Mental Challenges
4. Fetch in your backyard 
5. Hide and Seek
6. Dog Treadmills
7. Walks in your neighborhood

Activities For Your Pet While You Practice Social Distancing

1. Dog Daycare

Daycare for your dog is a fantastic way to not only socialize them, but to make sure they’re meeting the proper amount of exercise needed. Pupsi’s cleaning process and hands-free drop-off and pick-up policy is strict and will give you peace of mind during this tough time. To learn more about Pupsi’s daycare, click here. 

2. Tug-Of-War

Most dogs love playing tug-of-war, which is a great game to play indoors! This is a fantastic way to challenge your pup and let them have fun during a break from work or after hours.

3. Mental Challenges

Physical activity isn’t the only way to make your dog tired – mental games and challenges do, too! Mentally stimulating activities enrich your dogs’ lives and help give them something to do. A great way to mentally challenge your dog is by working on their training. Pupsi offers many different training courses, which allows your pup to learn obedience and new tricks, while also socializing with other dogs.

4. Fetch In Your Backyard

Another safe way to exercise your dog but also practice safe social distancing is by grabbing a tennis ball or a frisbee and playing fetch outside! Not only will it tire your pup out, but it allows you to get some fresh air too. 

5. Hide and Seek

Hide and seek is a popular children’s game, but dogs love it too! Just tell your pup to sit and stay, hide in the house and then call their name. The activity and challenge of finding you is fun and tiring for your dog.

6. Dog Treadmills

A dog on a treadmill might sound silly, but it’s actually a great way to exercise your dog! Just make sure to introduce the machine to your dog slowly, and always keep an eye on them. 

7. Walks In Your Neighborhood

Taking a walk in your neighborhood is a great way to break up your day and allow for some fresh air, sunshine and exercise for your pup. Just make sure that you stay at a distance from other people so you are still practicing social distancing.

No Matter The Situation, Your Dog Needs Activity

Your dog still needs the same amount of exercise to feel their best, even when we are instructed to stay close to home and away from people. We hope the 7 ideas above will inspire you to make this season the best and healthiest for your furry friend!

We’re Open! Contact Us Today.

If you would like to talk to us about enrolling your pup in daycare, or need some advice on pet care during this time, contact us today! We are open and operating with normal business hours.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has the K9 Flu

Thankfully we have not seen any cases but, in light of the current spread of K9 Flu in NC please make sure to monitor your dog for any flu like symptoms and see your vet if necessary.  If your dog is acting lethargic or different than usual, sneezing, coughing, discharging mucus or holding a resting temperature above 103 please keep them at home and contact your local vet.

Pupsi has been following the news as best we can and is staying in close contact with our veterinarians for any updates.  Currently, as there is no vaccine for this flu we are relying on owners to monitor their dogs for symptoms and if showing any signs to keep them at home and contact their vet. Pupsi keeps a stringent sanitation policy in effect to maintain cleanliness of the facility and will continue to monitor for any symptoms in our guests during their stay.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your patronage.