How to Socialise Your Chinese Crested So That You Both Have a Good Time

You may have seen on our social media pages that some of our fosters and rescues have been attending local meet-ups with our dogs. The photos are full of a variety of dogs having a great time – but it is important to remember the effort that goes into making sure these happen in the right way – after all, no one is having fun if it’s all stress and reactivity.

When you get a new dog – whether that is a rescue or a puppy – it is tempting to want to do all the things with all the people to give them experiences and make sure they don’t become afraid. However, realistically, that isn’t always the best approach. Structured socialisation, especially when a dog is getting used to something new, is often the best way forward.

Go at Your Own Pace

One of the messages the organiser of the meet-up gets quite often is how nervous they are for their dog to attend for the first time. It’s natural to be nervous and excited – after all, who wouldn’t be excited at so many cute dogs in one place!

Go at your own pace and only attend a meet up, or indeed any social situation when you feel ready. Chinese Cresteds are incredibly savvy and will pick up on your stress if you worry too much.

When you arrive go at your own pace and at a pace that suits your dog, after all, no one knows your dog better than you.

Check in With Your Dog

Dogs are really good at giving us signs that they’re not having fun. Tail tucked away, asking to be picked up, licking their lips excessively are all signs that you dog is stressed. This isn’t a reason to leave, but you can mix up what you are doing. Take your dog away from the main crowd and just allow them to watch and take it all in – treats work well!

Advocate for Your Dog

You and your Chinese Crested come as a team, so make sure you advocate for them. If there is a dog that is becoming a pest speak out and ensure that their own knows  - on the flip side of this, if your dog is the one doing the pestering, step in and break the cycle. You know what motivates your dog best, so you want to do what you can to break the habit of what they are doing and create a positive experience for everyone.

Make Sure You’re Creating Space

One thing that we have learned from these meet-ups is that space really works well. Rather than everyone standing around chatting, getting everyone to walk up and down the field and encouraging the dogs to run around gives everyone the best possible experience.

Of course, that being said we all know the personalities of Chinese Cresteds and they really do march to the beat of their own drum. So, sometimes the rules & guidelines go out of the window – but as long as everyone is safe and having a good time, who cares?!

So whether you’re attending a structured meet up, going to a local community event or simply bumping into some new friends at the park – go at your own pace, create space and relax – oh, and the 4-legged team members have asked us to remind you that snacks and treats are an absolute essential for any successful socialising!