August 18, 2022
Appropriate Canine Socialization
Well we are past the halfway point in August and moving toward fall! I hope you are all enjoying your summer. I know I am! As I mentioned previously, I have been spending time relaxing on my patio while my dogs soak up the sun in their sensory garden. Here’s where we currently stand: I have added more planted and potted dog-friendly herbs to the yard. More agility equipment comes out on a daily basis. I added a longer tunnel and a KLIMB table, and I have designed a Cerberus skateboard for a little extra fun. More mulch has been added, and the plants continue to bloom. I also purchased jump poles (not pictured)!
In addition to playing in the yard, I like to be sure my dogs continue to have consistent experiences outside the home. Most of us are aware that dog socialization is important, but what is appropriate canine socialization?
Appropriate socialization can look like a calm walk in a park without reacting to new people or animals. It can be a casual stroll through a pet store, respectfully greeting new people when suitable. It can take the form of a puppy play date with a well-behaved dog who interacts well with your pup.
Consider this: when you bring home a new puppy, your goal is to avoid the creation of anxiety and fear in new situations while teaching your dog how to navigate the world safely. Understand that our dogs need not (and should not) meet every animal or person who comes their way. Part of appropriate socialization is teaching our dog that he/she cannot greet everyone all the time. Our job is to help our dogs learn appropriate behavior in a variety of situations. We need to realize that most people (especially children) do not know the ins and outs of proper dog greetings and play. We are the guardians of our dogs and must facilitate safe, courteous meetings. Teach your dog to achieve calm greetings, work to develop strong recall skills, and reinforce eye contact so that your dog checks in with you frequently when out and about. Be observant of your surroundings to ensure that you are setting your dog up for positive experiences, not fearful ones. All of these factors will protect both your dog and other people and animals in the long run.
If you have an adult dog with known phobias or anxieties, you can still safely enjoy the world outside your home with him. However, you must respect your dog’s limitations. Never force a greeting or linger in an uncomfortable situation. Using our powers of observation with our dogs will lead to better overall outcomes in social situations. Lifelong training is a great way to help your dog learn to feel more comfortable in a variety of situations while keeping his brain active into old age.
My three dogs are great examples of different tolerance thresholds for different activities.
Toki is a social butterfly with people. He loves just about any person he comes into contact with, but is dog selective. And that’s ok! As many dogs age, they become less likely to tolerate all dogs. He loves his “sisters”, Starla and Tiramisu, and that’s just fine for him. Toki is happy to meet people on walks when appropriate and ignore other dogs. He loves puzzle toys, private walks in the woods, visiting his favorite neighbors, eating everything I’m eating, and snuggling under blankets.
Starla is very dog savvy and is a PRO when confronted with the occasional surprise off-leash dog (PLEASE leash your dogs). However, she requires slow, mindful introductions to new people. Starla is excellent on long walks but does not greet people when out and about. She excels at agility and scent trials and even puppy parkour! These controlled activities keep her mind and body working while respecting her boundaries and limitations. She is confident in these situations and visibly happy with a wagging tail and derpy smile.
Tiramisu is the best of both worlds. She loves adults, children, and other animals and can generally socialize safely in most situations. That said, we always observe her closely and if a situation appears stressful, we shut it down immediately. Just because she is a happy-go-lucky gal doesn’t mean we should throw her into a pile of dogs and expect a good outcome. Greetings and play should always be introduced slowly and safely. And sometimes Tiramisu needs to realize that she can’t greet every single person who comes along (*or live at LOWE’S forever until the last person on Earth pets her*). Tiramisu likes playing with dogs and people, kissing (my face all the time to give me pimples), and running with her adorable high-step gallop 24/7! Here are some pictures of Tiramisu hanging out with our friend Sara and her adorable little girl.
What are your dog’s favorite activities? What causes stress or fear? Is your dog a puppy who is new to the world and learning what is safe vs. dangerous? Think about these answers to build the proper socialization structure for your dog and strengthen your bond. The more you look out for your dog, the more they’ll trust you and your good judgement!