Dog Socialization

[kap]

This afternoon was the second time our dog used the dog park. Except for a couple of "Leave me alone" snaps at other dogs which kept smelling him non stop, he was doing pretty good the majority of the time. Though he had a good time running about most of the time he was by himself. Does it mean he is one of those dogs that socialization isn't essential?

Kap

[ka jowct]

I think it's too soon to tell. If you have friends with dogs, maybe you could walk your dog with a friend with one calm dog, to see how he reacts when there aren't so many dogs around and the situation is more controlled.

[kap]

ka jowct,

Yes, we have walked our 7 year old 12 lbs terrier mutt along side with a large 10 year old male Dalmation. They have even hung out with each other in the same yard. No problems thus far. That is as long as the other dog doesn't keep on sniffing him after he starts to walk away otherwise he will snap.

Kap

[btfc]

So far, so good, but keep on with it. The other dog's interest and his snaps might mean he's a little nervous; the more encounters he has, the better he'll get.

[Mr645]

My dog loves being outside, chases cats, lizards and any other small animals. But has no reaction at all to other dogs. I can let her out in the front yard, unfenced, unsupervised and after 5-10 minutes she's ready to come back in. She does not seem to like people too much either.

Jon

[BigGuynRusty]

JEEZO!!
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

BGnR

[kap]

Ok so we are doing it right ... whew! We'll taking him to the park at either early hours or late so there will not so many dogs. Thanks everyone, esp. BGnR for the link!

Kap

[Will Collier]

My dog refuses to be Socialized. He's a strict Libertarian.

[BigGuynRusty]

Kap, big info about going to dog parks, please walk your pup before going to the park.
Dog parks are NOT a substitute for a good long walk.
Walks are not just excercise, it is a hierarchy reinforcement, it strengthens the pack bond and the alpha leader role.
Most of the problems at dog parks are created by dog owners who do not walk their dogs and think that the dog park is good excercise, it is not, when an excited dog is brought to the park it only causes problems.
After a good long proper walk with you enforcing your calm Alpha Pack Leader status, your pup will be in a calm satisfied state. Perfect for the dog park.

BGnR

[davester]

BGnR, your one size fits all statement is not applicable to any of the dog parks where I live. In fact, the concept of walking the dog "before" going to the dog park seems patently absurd. We walk our dog for an hour when we go to the local dog parks (which cover many acres). What's a dog park in your neighborhood...somebody's front yard?