Can CBD Help Your Dog Get Along Better with Other Dogs?

We share a very special relationship with our canine companions – one that revolves around trust, affection, and tons of love.  But, even the most loving dogs out there may not show the same affection for members of their own species.  Whether you’re looking to introduce a new dog into your home, or you’re just trying to socialize your dog so that they can make some new friends in the neighborhood, let’s see if cannabidiol (CBD) can help.

How Come Some Dogs Don’t Get Along with Other Dogs?

The fact of the matter is that many people wrongfully assume that all dogs enjoy being around their own kind, but that’s not always the case.  There are plenty of antisocial dogs out there who would prefer to be the only canine.  And, there are a number of reasons why your dog doesn’t enjoy the company of its own species, most of which have to do with their puppyhood.

For one thing, it’s important to remember that each dog has their own unique personality, just like we do.  Some humans, for instance, are extroverted, and crave being around other people, while others prefer to be on their own as much as possible.  The same is true of canines, whose personality types have a lot to do with the level of sociability they prefer.

Then, there are dogs who had negative experiences with other dogs when they were younger, and even learned to distrust other canines.  This could involve a fight with another dog in early life, or just being forced to live with a personality type that’s incompatible.  Dogs who spent only very minimal time around other dogs before they were taken in to be adopted may also be less likely to enjoy other dogs’ company, since they never spent enough time learning how to socialize with their own kind.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Doesn’t Enjoy Being Around Other Dogs?

Not all dogs get along with one another, and that’s okay.  But, if you’re committed to training your dog to be more accepting of other canines, then there are some tried-and-true methods that can do wonders over time.  Still, just be patient and don’t force your dog into scary situations against their will, and you may be able to make great strides in no time.

Tip #1: Respect Their Needs and Boundaries

At the end of the day, we need to respect what our dog wants.  If you adopted a dog knowing that they don’t get along with others from their previous caretaker, then don’t think that you can adopt a second dog a year later and hope for the best.  If your dog does not enjoy the company of other dogs to the extent that it causes them a lot of distress, physical health symptoms or aggravation, keep them as the only dog in the household.

Also, don’t try to force them into socialization situations if it clearly causes a lot of distress.  If your dog is clearly upset, then you forcing them to interact with another canine will only hurt the trust that they have in you.

Tip #2: Talk to a Professional

Often, a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help you figure out what your dog needs in order to feel secure around other canines.  This is uniquely helpful because a professional can take into consideration your dog’s unique situation, instead of offering blanket advice.

Tip #3: Take it Slow

Should you decide to move forward in socializing your dog, take things slow.  Maybe take them to a dog park and keep them at a distance from other dogs for a while so that they can observe what’s going on, and also recognize that they’re safe.  From there, you can try introducing them to a particularly calm dog owned by someone they already trust, like a close friend or family member.  Rushing into this sort of thing will only backfire, so don’t just let them loose in a dog park and hope for the best.

Tip #4: Meet on Neutral Ground

If things are looking up and you want to set up a puppy playdate, it’s helpful to have both dogs meet on neutral ground, because of how territorial they can be, which can lead to aggression.  Find a nearby park or similar type of space where neither dog feels that they must protect their territory.

Tip #5: Distract with Treats

It’s not advisable to bring toys, since this is something that dogs often fight over, which can lead to a negative experience.  Instead, bring lots of treats, used to reward good social behavior.  Make sure to give a treat to both dogs rather than just one.

Is CBD a Possible Solution?

You might be surprised to learn that a lot of pet owners are discovering that giving their canines a daily dose of cannabidiol has done wonders for making them more sociable and easygoing, while minimizing symptoms of anxiety and aggression.  One study found that a dose of CBD can minimize a dog’s stress response, which is on high alert when they’re particularly antisocial and around other canines.  CBD generally eases the nervous system in dogs to make them less likely to have negative reactions to interactions with their own species.  Because it’s nontoxic and non-intoxicating, it can be administered to them daily to keep them at ease as they navigate a more social lifestyle.

Nectar Wellness Supercharged™ CBD Oil for Pets are specially formulated to deliver calming wellness to your dog- no matter what size or breed.  The best part, you can easily administer CBD oil to your pets for fast, efficient results.  Apply the CBD tincture drops directly into your dog’s mouth or add to their food or favorite snacks.

 

Please Note: Before administering CBD to your dog, speak with their veterinarian first, since they’ve access to your dog’s medical history and can therefore make a proper determination if CBD is right for your canine.