06/27/2025
Here’s how I describe socialization when I’m explaining it to my clients:
When we are socializing young dogs and puppies, we are showing them the world, rather than showing the world, them.
The old fashioned way of socializing has always been to put the dog on a leash and make them accept pets from strangers and accept interactions with strangers dogs. This is an outdated method.
What do I mean by that? I mean that we can build a great deal of confidence in young dogs or even underexposed adult dogs, by allowing them to see people, dogs, things, but not letting those things into their space/put pressure on them. The old way of socializing puts your dog in a corner and doesn’t allow them to make space if they are uncomfortable. On the other hand if your dog is overly excited about people they aren’t learning boundaries with people and before you know it they are dragging you up to everyone in public. The shy dog will become reactive and potentially eventually a bite risk because they have found that the most effective way to make space when they are uncomfortable is to bark, growl, and lunge at strangers and dogs.
So when I am “socializing” a dog, I’m taking them in public and letting them watch the world go by. I’m not allowing dogs or people to put unfair pressure on them. Each time they see a person, dog, cart, vehicle, strange object, etc. and they turn from it to give their focus to me, I mark and reward. I don’t let people in their space, I don’t let dogs in their space. I’ll write another post on how to introduce new people and dogs because I know some folks will come for me in the comments.
Happy Training!
