"FREE" Forms of Socialisation

Who said socialisation couldn't be free?

It seems to always be marketed that to socialise your dog needs to cost money and be super structured but that's not always the case. Certain situations can make different forms of socialisation can be "free".

When we talk about socialisation, we mean different types of exposure which means that your dog becomes more well-rounded and settled that would benefit our life. For instance, being well socialised and adjusted to crowded places, public transport and even being in a room with other dogs. When we say the word "free", we mean in a sense that it doesn't cost a fortune, it's not an added expense as you would mostly do this anyway. Here is a list of our "free" forms of socialisation and why it is good to get this type of exposure: - Pubs! - We'll say this a thousand times, good pub dogs make well rounded dogs. It's the perfect place for exposure and you can regulate it to a certain degree. -- Benefits: Your dog will become relaxed in crowded, busy and noisy areas. They will also become used to being in a situation where they may meet other dogs, they may not or they may be stroked, they may not. Either way, they need to be comfortable and relaxed with the uncertainty. Lastly and a firm favourite for the wonderful dogs, free dog treats ;) -- Variables: You can either sit inside or outside, you can choose what table, whether you are in a corner or not, etc. It's all something you can do no matter the weather! -- Things to think about: If your dog barks at other dogs, you'll need to address this before working at socialising in the pub. Nothing worse than a barky dog. - Dog Life Drawing - This is definitely a new thing exposure on the scene but a wonderful one if you have the chance. This is mostly for those who are well-adjusted to the pub setting. -- Benefits: It's a great time to practice "settle" on their favourite bed. Your dog doesn't have to be sitting all the time but get them used to the idea of doing nothing. Like the pub, they will get more free dog treats and you might either get paid, free artwork or both!

-- Variables: There isn't many variables here but you could work with the organiser to see if they have a staged venue rather than a set up where everyone is in a circle. -- Things to think about: The workshop normally runs for around 1.5 - 2 hours so a good walk and toilet break beforehand might be essential.

-Public Transport - This is particularly interesting now that Sheffield has given the go-ahead that dogs can go on trams but speaking generally, this applies to any public transport. This would be a great challenge for a dog and lot of sniffs too. -- Benefits: It would be a great mental enrichment and a way to boost their confidence. This would be useful just as "What if" incase of emergencies or a change of circumstances that meant a car wasn't in the picture. -- Variables: Like the pub, you can change some of the variables depending on where you sit and the time of day. We'd recommend going when the public transport is most likely at its quietest and bring a lot of treats! -- Things to think about: Be accomodating of how many stops you'll do / how long the journey will be. This will be a brand new experience so be kind, relaxed and patient. - Vet's Practice - Again, this is a wonderful place to practice socialisation. One, just for the vets alone but two, for dog socialisation. It's free (unless you have an appointment) and you'll just need to get them to heads up to see if they are ok with it but I imagine it's an easy yes. -- Benefits: Your dog will get exposured to "you can look but don't touch" mentality in that your dog will be benefitting from sitting in a room without saying hello. All the other dogs will be doing the same so they won't feel like they are missing out. -- Variables: Understandably, there will be other dogs who are nervous, barky or reactive. This is good challenge as it encourages your dog to not react. If you think your dog would be reactive, this is not the environment for you as you don't want to enhance other dog's discomfort. -- Things to think about: Permission from the vets :-)

Good luck! Let us know any other places you might know of like sitting on a park bench and watching the world go by is another fantastic enrichment and challenge.