Dog Socialization and Problems on the Leash

Socialize, socialize, socialize! It's hard to read anything online regarding canine behavioral problems without fingers being pointed down the socialization path. Today I wanted to talk in more detail about what socialization means to me, and what it seems to mean to many pet owners.

For starters, a dog's prime window for significant socialization is during the first 16 weeks of life. If there's one time in a dog's life where time and effort should be focused on socialization it's during the first 4 months of imprinting. Favorable exposure to people, places, and things during this time can provide helpful experiences to shape a developing personality. Socialization later in a dog's life can still be helpful, but it's not as critical.

With dogs older than 9 months of age, the single most common behavioral problem I see is leash reactivity - dogs that are out of control with pulling, lunging, barking, snapping, etc - usually when near other dogs. As I assess dogs with these issues, almost 75% have a history of frequent excited / rough interactions with other dogs - at dog parks, day cares, neighbors play dates, etc. I believe our society sees any time where dogs are with other dogs as good. But as I tell all my clients, there is a difference between good socialization and bad socialization.

When dogs are allowed to interact as they please, a certain percentage become very excited or rough with other dogs (sometimes in a very short time). This adrenalization is NOT healthy, and is responsible for probably 50% of the reactive dogs I see. Another 25% were generally on the receiving end of a dog that was too rough (they got roughed up by a bully) and no longer have trust near other strange dogs when out walking. So for me, I see these as the dogs that have been "socialized" into problem behaviors. The owners mean well, but allowing (or encouraging) rough and excited play is a recipe for failure, plain and simple.

So what are the solutions? Well, to start with, I require every dog to be calm around another dog before ANY interactions. For dogs that are too exuberant, this can take a bit of time and won't be fixed with treats or good wishes. It's hard work that requires stringent and persistent focus on desired behaviors. For dogs that are anxious, very closely monitored and stepped re-introductions will be needed to regain their trust in other dogs. Sending them back out into the "octagon" of a dog park is the last thing that will help. In short, teaching dogs to behave and play "nicely" together is good for dogs - that's good socialization. Letting dogs play and behave roughly or excitedly around each other is good for the training business - but bad socialization.

What is your dog learning when around other dogs?