With businesses and parks opening back up, people becoming more comfortable socializing, and everyone getting use to "the new normal"; our pets too will be coming back into contact with people and animals. Many will be trying to get that cute photo or video of their dog social distancing. Of the love a friend, child, neighbor, or otherwise gives or gets from their dog. "It's so cute" and "totally adorable" are frequent comments that are heard and seen. Unfortunately, "I never thought he/she would bite", " no!", [insert yelling of dog's name here], or worse are all to frequent comments too.
While people missed others during quarantine, are eager to get back to being around others, and can easily manage that transition; their dogs are a very different story. Dogs have not missed others outside their family. Instead, their "pack" has probably been closer than ever. Many dogs have likely been getting more attention than they used to prior to COVID-19. With that, many dogs have likely experienced lower anxiety the last few months and have very much enjoyed this Pandemic. These dogs already have their "new normal" and it's routine that they have picked up over the last few months. The change back may not be easy for many of our pups.
It is important in the coming weeks and months to help our pet kids make this transition. Know that they may be more protective of their people or property than they used to be. Know your dog may be more hesitant or anxious around people and dogs from outside their pack than they used to be. Most importantly, know what to look for, know how your dog communicates with their body language, and know how to support them. Positive reinforcement and listening to your dog's warning signs will not only further improve that bond with you, it just may prevent the above mentioned unfortunate comments or worse.
Watch this video to help understand some of your dogs body language.
https://youtu.be/5loTIVlVQAI
