How To Socialize Your Maltipoo With Other Pets
Maltipoos are beautiful, wholehearted dogs with quite the personality. It’s this charm and easygoing demeanor that makes them lovable pets in the right household.
However, what if there are other pets in the house? Is it possible for the Maltipoo to fit in?
Yes, it is certainly possible for Maltipoos to thrive in families with other pets and/or children.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to socialize your Maltipoo with other pets safely and effectively.
Don’t Start Right Away
This is a common mistake made by dog owners.
In essence, you have this urge to immediately get the Maltipoo integrated into your family of pets. While this is done with the right intention, please remember the Maltipoo is still getting used to the house itself.
This includes new scents, sounds, and everything in between!
Thrusting them into a situation with other pets may backfire depending on the dog’s age and history.
To avoid a situation such as this, keep them secluded in a different room for a week or so. Just let the Maltipoo get used to the setting and then begin introducing them to the other pets.
Starting right away is a mistake and will often lead to aggression and/or nervousness.
If your dog has been in the house for a while, it’s okay to get started immediately. They will already have adjusted to the setting, so you can move onto the next step.
https://pixabay.com/photos/maltipoo-shake-relax-pool-hot-1222368/
2. Begin in a Comfortable Setting
Maltipoos enjoy a bit of comfort in their day-to-day lives.
This can be something as simple as where they rest (i.e. dog bed) or where they sit during the day.
When socializing Maltipoos with other pets, it’s highly recommended to start in a setting that’s loved by your dog. This will make it easier for them to feel comfortable while welcoming other pets into their bubble.
Will it always work? No.
There are times the Maltipoo will show signs of nervousness and that’s okay. Don’t panic!
Just continue to watch the interaction and remain nearby.
3. Maintain Full Control During Interactions
Socialization isn’t going to happen overnight. It’s a work in progress with Maltipoos and other pets.
This means you have to maintain full control during the initial interactions.
The process includes:
Using a Pet Gate
Using a Leash
Supervising All Interactions
These are just some of the things you have to focus on as a dog owner. Your goal should be to retain control while observing how the pets interact. If they’re fine with each other, it’s okay to loosen the restrictions.
For example, start with your Maltipoo on a dog leash and/or behind a safe dog gate while interacting with other pets.
If there’s no noticeable sign of aggression, remove the pet gate while keeping the dog leash on.
Keep reducing the restrictions until your pets start getting along with each other. If there’s any sign of aggression, gently increase the restrictions and turn to using incentives.
https://pixabay.com/photos/maltipoo-shake-relax-pool-hot-1222368/
4. Use Dog Treats
The best way to socialize a dog with other pets is to build positive reinforcement for good behavior (i.e. not attacking).
It is a sign of confidence for the dog and will ease their nerves.
Dog treats tend to work nicely with Maltipoos. They will respond well to these treats, especially if you time them well during their interactions with other pets.
For example, let’s assume your Maltipoo enters the same room as another pet. If the Maltipoo is well behaved and remains gentle, you can give them a dog treat. If they aren’t, you don’t give them a dog treat and you say a quick, sharp “No!” so they realize what went wrong.
While they might not build the connection between the reward and good behavior at first, Maltipoos are clever. They will get it after a few tries!
Also, it’s important to note dog treats are just one option. You can even do nothing more than a simple rub behind the ears or scratch under the chin to let the Maltipoo know they’re doing well.
5. Refuse to Overreact to Nervous Behavior
Maltipoo owners often become concerned during new interactions. It’s almost as if you’re anticipating aggression and want to stop it immediately.
Yes, it’s good to stop any type of aggression, but you can’t overreact.
Any overreaction is going to make the Maltipoo go into a bubble that’s difficult to break. They will refuse to interact with the other pets out of fear.
As a dog owner, you have to be confident and assertive. If the Maltipoo misbehaves, you let them know sternly without showing aggression and/or yanking on the dog leash (if one is on).
Remember, dogs will feed off of your reactions, so aggression can be taken in the wrong manner even if you mean well.
Instead, stay calm and go through the process again. Continue to work on it until the Maltipoo and other pets adjust to each other.
6. Go to the Dog Park
The dog park is a delightful place to socialize your dog.
After the Maltipoo has become used to the other pets at home, it makes sense to expand the bubble to see how well the Maltipoo does in different environments.
In fact, if you have another dog, take both of them together!
This will maintain familiarity for the Maltipoo as it starts to interact with other dogs and people. Your goal should be to get them used to unique interactions without thinking twice.
This can include other pets, animals, people, traffic, loud sounds, and everything in between.
The best part is, the tips in this guide work in all situations. It’s all about progress and building towards getting your Maltipoo used to a new setting and everything that comes along with it including new sights and sounds.
Final Thoughts
Socializing your Maltipoo requires patience, determination, and the willingness to make adjustments throughout the process.
The beauty of socializing this breed is seen through its approachability. With the right training, Maltipoos can become exceptional mates for other pets. Whether it’s another dog or cat, this breed does adjust and thrive as long as you’re committed to the task.
Follow the tips listed here and watch as your Maltipoo begins to enjoy spending time with the other pets.
Author: Sara Bernier