Socializing Your Dog
Socializing your dog is one of the most important things you will do for him/her. Lack of socialization leads to more problems than anything else. Unsocialized dogs are often fearful, aggressive, unpredictable and almost always lack a fulfilling life.
However, socializing dogs is often misunderstood. People think that socializing means meeting dogs and people, and lots of them. I caution people against this and spend my focus on getting my dog into controlled social settings and only meeting select dogs and people. That is people and dogs that I know are going to be safe and a good experience. In the lessons below I will demonstrate that.
Socializing Lessons
Socializing our dogs means making social settings neutral, not exciting or scary.
I only ever introduce my dog to people and dogs I know will be a good experience.
You can spend a lot of time getting your dog socialized "around" other dogs without ever meeting them.
Important takeaways from this page
- You can socialize an older dog, but it's always best to socialize puppies when possible
- When socializing I prefer to teach a neutral experience, rather than an exciting one
- A big mistake is trying to get your dog to meet and greet every dog and person they see
Did you know...
Socializing should mean your dog has no reaction in a social setting, rather than trying to engage every dog / person they see.
The more positive experiences your dog has in a social setting, the better off he will be if something goes wrong.
