Socialization, what exactly does it mean and is it necessary for your dog?

 Those are two questions I often see not only debated these days, but the information given is not always correct either. 

Let’s start with the definition: 

socialize (verb) to make fit for life in companionship with others 

 “Fit” for life is subjective, in that how your dog fits in your life is all up to you and your dog. 

For example: 

•  Is your dog a breed that needs regular grooming that you can’t or don’t do? 
• Do you want your dog to travel with you? 
• Do you want to travel and have someone stay with your dog or your dog stay somewhere outside your home? 
• Do you want to have people over to your home, either casually or in larger gatherings? 
• Do you live someplace that may require you to relocate due to weather situations often (i.e. hurricane evacuations, fires, etc.? 
• Do you and your dog often encounter other dogs, like on walks or at a dog park or doggy daycare? 
• Does your dog have any issues that could be fixed with better socialization skills?

The next question, whether socialization is necessary, again depends on your idea of “fit” for life. One caveat, however, is at the bare minimum, EVERY dog should be comfortable dealing with 2 things without major stress, the vet & emergencies.

Every dog has to go to the vet at some point in their life. If all of us socialized our dogs enough that when they went to the vet they would not be scared, anxious, or worried, it would be best for the dog, the vet, their staff, and you. 

Every dog should be prepared in case of an emergency where they may have to leave their home, be around strangers, be around other dogs and not be stressed or cause problems for others. In an emergency, you may not have time to worry if your dog is stressed or make sure that they can handle what you both may have to deal with. So it would be best to have them prepared just like you do your other emergency preparations.

 There are many benefits to having a well-socialized dog. Stress is reduced or even removed completely for everyone involved. Well-socialized dogs can adapt to novel situations and things much more easily, they are more resilient when unexpected things do happen, and they have more freedom to go anywhere with anyone.

How do you socialize your dog properly? By having them be exposed on a regular basis to new people, dogs, places, and things that are ONLY positive experiences. Start small and slow, and increase at your dog’s comfort level. If they are already stressed going into a new situation or experience, it is too late and will likely do more harm than good.

The ideal time to work on socialization and handling is when your dog is a puppy. The critical period is between 3 and 14 weeks. The greater the amount and variety of positive experiences your puppy is exposed to during that time, the easier life with humans will be for them in the long run. Most vets, however, recommend you don’t take your puppy out until it has had all of its vaccinations, typically at 16 weeks. So what can you do until then? You can still create a lot of experiences for your puppy at your home, including guests, introductions to the car, other vaccinated friendly adult dogs and as much handling (of their ears, feet, mouth and light restraint) as possible, until it no longer bothers them at all for anyone to touch them anywhere or briefly and gently restrain them.

What if you didn’t get your dog as a puppy? You can still do all the same things with your young or adult dog. You just have to remember that they may have had not so positive experiences before they came to live with you, that they need understanding and patience to overcome.  It is best to start at home in a comfortable, quiet area to assess what they will already tolerate well and what needs to be worked on. 

Once you have decided what your expectations and goals are for your dog, and it’s life with you, and then determined what things need to be worked on, you can create a plan. 

Things to remember when working on socialization skills:

1. Set your dog up for success
2. Know your dog’s stress signals
3. Know how to read dog body language
4. Be aware of everything in the environment you are working in that could potentially wreck your plan.
5. Be prepared for the unknown, (ie. have an escape plan)
6. Be prepared to advocate for your dog
7. Make all interactions positive
8. Work at your dog’s pace of ability and acceptance
9. Encourage even the tiniest improvements.

Some common pitfalls to be aware of:

• Some breeds of dogs have body language that can be more difficult to decipher for other dogs and humans. For example, tail, carriage, and movement are one of the biggest ways dogs communicate with each other and with us. Dogs with cropped or no tails can be more difficult to read. The same goes for ears. Dogs with smooshed faces can be harder to read, the more subtle eye and mouth movements. There are plenty of other examples when you think about it.
• Not all dogs or people “read the room” well, even without the difficulties mentioned above. For example, I live with a German Shepherd who weighs 98 lbs, has a very loud excited bark, and acts as if every person or dog he encounters appeared just for him to greet and play with. I have seen him repeatedly miss obvious signals from other dogs that they are not interested in his overtures. In his excitement, he just can’t see them. 
• Not all people heed our warnings that our dog is uncomfortable the first time. At times, we may have to get downright rude and/or loud to get their attention. It is most important to keep our dogs feeling safe and secure in our ability to manage the environment if they are having trouble or are trying to learn.

Socialization does not mean your dog has to like every person and every dog that they meet. Dogs can be dog and people selective, and we just have to be aware of and manage that.

Socialization does not mean exposure to anything and everything all at once or in any situation. Doing so when a dog is not ready is cruel and called flooding. They will NOT just get used to it or get over it.

Some dogs need more space than others, just like some people need more space than others Sometimes this can be changed, sometimes it can’t.

Having a well-socialized dog is very beneficial, and if your dog is not well-socialized yet, it is possible for them to learn better social skills. However, if your dog has issues, it is important to be aware that some of them can’t be overcome and may only be able to be managed. The key is to know your expectations, know your dog, and have goals that take both into consideration.

What are some social skill goals you have for your dog?