Views on when to/not to allow a dog to be social

[Crowe]

In puppy kindergarten today the question came up as to whether or not dogs that meet on a hike, street, etc., should be allowed to always socialize. Our instructor kind of contradicted herself-when she is out hiking with her dogs and they meet up with another dog she does not allow them to interact. Her concern is are they vaccinated or are they aggressive. Her dogs DO go to the doggie day care at the training facility. But then in the next breath she says to take them anywhere and everywhere to get the socialized. We've always allowed our dogs to interact with whatever dog they meet UNLESS it's obviously aggressive or looks ill. Thoughts? I know there will be varying opinions so please, be polite. If you disagree with someone feel free to say so but explain why. Thanks.

[Acampingwewillg]

Interesting topic!
Over the years the dogs we have had(collies and Cavaliers mostly), have always been social but always controlled under tight leash. Now we have an adopted wire haired Dachsaund who is a Napolean type. He's had socialization issues since his first week with us some 5 years ago. Once he knows you, it's fine but I'm very, very careful about anyone or other dogs approaching him without me grabbing him by the collar.

I know, I'm a terrible trainer but this is the first time in 50 years of dog ownership I've experienced this. But we make it work, still love the LiL guy!!!????

[BCSnob]

Dogs are socializing (communicating) long before they get nose to nose. Be a dog, read what they are saying to one another before you decide to let them get nose to nose.

We generally don’t let our dogs socialize with dogs we don’t know. Most breeds don’t “speak herding” and this can cause friction.

[Pawz4me]

Y-Guy wrote:
For us I judge the human attached to the leash and my gut about the dog.

^^This.^^

Although I'd say it's mostly about reading the dog's body language, as well as my own gut instinct.

Most people and most dogs are friendly.

[toedtoes]

First, socialization isn't just about "getting to know" or interacting. It's also learning to be appropriate in a situation without interaction (like taking your dog to the vet and NOT having them approach every dog in the place or bark because he can't play with them). So I suspect that is what the trainer was saying when she says she "takes them anywhere and everywhere to get the socialized".

I don't let my dogs socialize with strangers. Unless I know the owner and/or dog, it is strictly no interaction.

To me, it is not worth the risk. I've seen too many people who claim to be dog knowledgeable do really stupid stuff. I've watched dogs lunge/snap while the owner is stating they are "friendly". I've watched dogs ignore their owner while the owner is explaining how they have complete control over the dog.

Just the other day, on another website, a woman was asking for advice for her sick puppy. Folks responded that it sounded like parvo and the dog needed to go to the vet's asap. The woman kept stating that her puppy "had all his shots". When the puppy was 3 months old, she took it to Petsmart and got several shots. The puppy is now 5 months old and has never received any additional shots. But she has the "vaccination record" that shows he's had all his shots. She absolutely refuses to comprehend that puppies need a series of shots to be protected. I don't want my dogs interacting with hers. If she doesn't understand the vaccinations (and is unwilling to learn), then what else is she screwing up.

To me, I am my dogs' protection. I take that very seriously. I control my dogs' interactions. I do not let doggy day cares or boarding kennels decide what dogs are safe for my dogs to interact with. That is my decision alone. I limit interactions to those I know - both owner and dog. Out on trails, I step aside and let other dogs pass at a safe distance. If the owner tries to let their dog interact, I politely say no.

This is all that much more important as my Cat-dog is extremely afraid of being attacked by other dogs. Any dog that is coming towards her is an attack in her eyes. Having others allow their dog to try to make contact just cements that belief. She is doing a bit better, but this will take years to overcome. And the most important training is for her to be around dogs that ignore her completely. So I have to be very certain of any dog (and owner) that she's around.

P.S. I always keep a copy of the pets' rabies certificates in the RV and vehicle. I also put my RV and vehicle's license plate numbers on the dog tags - if I'm somewhere without cell service and the dog gets loose, others can find me quickly in the campground by the plate number. I used to use the barrel tags and write down the campsite, but they never stay closed. With the plate numbers, you don't have to change it every stop. I actually have two tags - one with the trailer and suv plate numbers, and one with the motorhome plate number. I switch them out depending on which I take.

[Y-Guy]

For us I judge the human attached to the leash and my gut about the dog. A few weeks back at the campground we were at has a large grass area, and the only area for dogs to do their business. There were probably 20 different dogs, our trainer with our 4yo had taught us the "proper" way to meet and greet dogs, and we let them meet several. All the dogs on site were all non-aggressive and amazingly most all of the owners were very well trained 😉 So we did a lot of meet & greets - partially since we had our 4mo old pup and it was a good opportunity to learn from his older brother. Generally if we are just out we don't to random meets unless the handler specially asks if we are ok, IMHO those are the ones that understand the protocol and safety aspects.

[Lantley]

I am always willing to let my dog socialize if the other owner is agreeable.
I always keep a firm grip on my dog until I know they are willing to play nice.
If I determine they don't want to play nice I pull my dog back.
You don't know until you try.
90% of the time the dogs are fine. But there is that 10% factor when its not.
There are also times that it apparent that the dogs will not get along, no pull test rrequired!

[dturm]

BB_TX wrote:
We never allow them to interact with other dogs. Although there is unlikely to be a problem, it is so unpredictable as to the aggressiveness of the other unknown animals or any health issues we just don’t take the chance.

My position too. I've seen the results of meet and greets and dog parks too many times to risk taking a chance.

Socialization can occur with other than random animals, your own dogs and neighbors where you know behavior and health status. Also, until your dog has completed his puppy series of shots, it's not a good idea to mix. Their version of social distancing.

[valhalla360]

Ask the other owner as you approach and be prepared to pull them apart until they show that they are getting along.

Obviously, if you see body language or other signs of poor behavior, keep yours closely heeled and just keep walking.

[jdc1]

Every dog is different. Ask when in doubt.

[BB_TX]

We never allow them to interact with other dogs. Although there is unlikely to be a problem, it is so unpredictable as to the aggressiveness of the other unknown animals or any health issues we just don’t take the chance.

[bob213]

For us it's more about the handler than the dog. People that use the extended length leashes and let their dogs roam at the end are avoided by us. My dog seems to see these as a loose dog and goes on alert. If a dog is properly leashed and controlled by their owner we have no problem letting them socialize. They can run free(in a confined area) after they have met and show they can get along.