Your Definition Of A Proper Socialised Dog

[W Sibs]

Interesting conversation I had a talk with one of the boyfriend's friend at the park about this.

He is convince a proper socialise dog is a dog that should/will play with any dog.. all breed, sex or age. Which is fair enough.

Mine is a dog who is secure and confident around other dogs, but not necessary have the need to play or have an interaction with them.

So, what is your definition of a well socialised dog?

This all started when he commented that Charlie is anti social (then added that I shouldn't bring him to the park till he is better socialised) because his dogs tried to engaged Charlie into play but Charlie was just laying on the ground chewing on a stick ignoring them. They were barking at him and nudging Charlie, but Charlie was just simply ignoring them.

Thing is, Charlie rarely play with other dogs. He is happy to say hello and then go on his merry way and do his own thing or just sit and watch other dogs play.

[corvus]

To me, a well socialised dog is one that talks dog well. There are lots of styles and mannerisms out there, and I think a well socialised dog should be able to makes sense of the majority of it. They don't have to like playing to be well socialised.

[Miss BeRidgierent]

Boss is the exact same, I sometimes call him a loser because he hardly plays with other dogs he just wanders around the park sniffing every tree by himself. The only other dog he played with was our other dog who has passed away.

I don't think it means they aren't socialized. They are independent, I'd rather my dog like this then a overly excited dog that jumps on every one and their dog.

[Dogsfevr]

Whilst it sounds good in principal i dont think its the simple.

No matter what you have to consider breed specific needs & then train apparently & have a realistic understanding of what that breeds limitations may be & act responsibly .

Not all breeds by nature are social butterflies & that must always be remembered .

You cant compare apples to oranges

[FHRP]

Sounds like your friend is referring to a "social dog" rather than a dog that's been well socialised. Just like people, not all dogs want to interact with others, no matter how much exposure they've had to it.

Edited June 15, 2010 by FHRP

[Guest Ams]

CW Charlie might have worked out that the rough and tumble at the park is too much for him with his injuries so has decided to ignore all attempts to get him to interact as he ends up sore. Nothing wrong with that. I'd only be worried if he was snapping. Since he is quite happy doing his own thing I can't see anything wrong with that and I obviously plays with Emmy.

[BJean]

So, what is your definition of a well socialised dog?

A dog that does not react. A dog that is able to ignore inapproproate / unwelcome approaches by other dogs / humans; ignores hyperactive / over enthusiastic dogs bounding over to 'play'. A dog that treats all aberrations of other dog behaviour (and human) as a tolerable part of the norm.

Of course socialisation on its own will not achieve the above. It also depends on the dog's nerve and to an extent how important reacting is to the dog

Eg: a dog with strong inbuilt defence or rank drive can be socialised all the way to everywhere until the cows come home,

but there wil be some dogs /circumstances where the dog wil exhibit a response

that dare I say, will be 'unsociable'

nb: I often endure with wry amusment, the common observation when one of my dog growls at another or exhibits any kind of aggression

"oh was he/she not socialised properly?"

Edited June 15, 2010 by lilli

[CavsRcute]

My Cavalier sounds very much like Charlie.

MY idea of a well socialised dog is one that is happy to meet other dogs, does not attack dogs or children, has good manners ie she will do the things that I ask( and she has been trained to do) like sitting, waiting, stopping etc, has a happy demeanour and is happy with her life.

She loves to meet other dogs, doesn't play a lot with many dogs, except when she is boarded with a friend and her Cavaliers( but she also has joint issues). She greets dogs and then goes on her way to mosey around. She has also been called anti social but I would rather have a dog like that than one who is continually in your face.

She is also very independent, has never winged or cried when left( as long as she has her smacko )

Doesn't ask to be nursed but loves to sit next to you on the lounge and be patted.

Is also very laidback and has only barked about 6 times in her 7 years of life and that has been when it is a full moon

So I think she is a joy to have around and I have no problem introducing her to children or dogs( always under supervision). She enjoys the interaction but doesn't crave it.

[dee lee]

Sounds like your dog is referring to a "social dog" rather than a dog that's been well socialised. Just like people, not all dogs want to interact with others, no matter how much exposure they've had to it.

I agree.

Honey was obviously not well socialised as a pup- she gets slightly nervous around other dogs and generally does not like playing with them. She is a rescue so there is not much I can do about it. She is not reactive so I'm fine with it.

She is happy enough not being social and I dont mind that it is just the two of us most of the time at the park. We have a lovely time, and it sounds like Charlie does too.

Tell your friend to bugger off- he doesn't know everything, us Dolers do.

Edited June 15, 2010 by ✽deelee

[Odin-Genie]

So, what is your definition of a well socialised dog?

A dog that does not react. A dog that is able to ignore inapproproate / unwelcome approaches by other dogs / humans; ignores hyperactive / over enthusiastic dogs bounding over to 'play'. A dog that treats all aberrations of other dog behaviour (and human) as a tolerable part of the norm.

I would qualify that with "a dog that does not react 'easily'". Most well behaved dogs I know would ignore inappropriate behaviour the first time, but if it goes on, they would tell the other dog off. That is not necessarily aggressive or anti-social.

[Miranda]

Sounds like your dog is referring to a "social dog" rather than a dog that's been well socialised. Just like people, not all dogs want to interact with others, no matter how much exposure they've had to it.

I completely agree, just because a dog doesn't want to interact with other dogs doesn't mean that it's not socialised. Socialising a puppy means introducing it to everything that it's going to experience in life, strangers, kids, prams, lawn mowers, cars, buses, trains, umbrellas, vacuum cleaners, loud noises etc. it doesn't just mean getting it used to other dogs. As showdog pointed out how a dog interacts with strange dogs can also depend on breed, some are more aloof than others.

Only one of my dogs will actually play and then only with some dogs not all, the rest are happy to have a sniff and go on their way, they have little interest in dogs that they don't know.

[Casima]

I consider my dogs well socialised once they are happy and confident in the presence of all types and temperaments of dogs, can read other dogs well including leaving another dog alone if it is clearly not interested in them! (Sounds like your friends dog hasn't mastered this one yet if they were pestering Charlie when he didn't want to play, I consider those types of dogs to be pretty rude) Wont resource guard their toys/treats/me when strange dogs are around, and wont react to another dog, even if it is reacting towards them, and can politely join in other dogs fetch games. (or don't join them at all is even better but difficult with ball obsessed dogs)

I don't expect my dogs to play with others unless they want to, infact as they are competition agility dogs, I rather they looked to me for their play when we are out and about rather than other dogs. They play occasionally but it isn't something I ever really encourage, I rather encourage playing tug/ball with me when around other dogs.

I do reguarly visit dog parks, I think it is a great tool to teach your dog what is expected of them when in the presence of other dogs, mine have all learnt a great deal from these visits. I watch my dogs and give them feedback on what they are doing so that they learn, not just let them run around and do whatever as many people seem to.

[poodlefan]

To me a well socialised dog is one that does not react adversely to different situations, dogs and people. It can adjust to these situations with a minimum of stress.

Dogs are territorial pack animals. We've adapted some breeds to be more willing to engage with strange dogs but its not a lack of socialisation that makes many dogs not want to play - ESPECIALLY with dogs far different from them in size and play styles.

Mind you, having seen some dogs what some owners regard as "playful", its their dogs that lack social skills. Displays of dominance and extremely rough play with strange dogs don't mean "well socialised" in my book. A dog approaching mine stiff legged, drawn up on its does and with hackles and tail over its back doesn't spell "he just wants to play" to me.

[aussielover]

Doesn't Charlie have health issues? Therefore, wouldn't it be natural (and sensible!) for him to not want to play that much with other dogs?

I think a really friendly, playful dog can also be poorly socialised especially if it justs runs up to another dog and jumps all over them.

A lot depends on the individual dogs personality.

I agree with others that have said a well socialised dog will not react easily. But is a poorly socialised dog was jumping all over them, they would ignore initially but then give a correction.

[W Sibs]

Doesn't Charlie have health issues? Therefore, wouldn't it be natural (and sensible!) for him to not want to play that much with other dogs?

I think a really friendly, playful dog can also be poorly socialised especially if it justs runs up to another dog and jumps all over them.

A lot depends on the individual dogs personality.

I agree with others that have said a well socialised dog will not react easily. But is a poorly socialised dog was jumping all over them, they would ignore initially but then give a correction.

Yeah he does have health issues. But, he has always been like this even as a puppy. He rarely play with other dogs... although the dog park is the place where he is most happiest

[Kajtek]

Sounds like your dog is referring to a "social dog" rather than a dog that's been well socialised. Just like people, not all dogs want to interact with others, no matter how much exposure they've had to it.

Absolutely.

My 3 are well "socialised" and not lacking in human, dog or cat contact.

They are the same breed. HonBun is our "social butterfly" ready to meet and greet one and all. Kluska ignores other dogs and animals but adores people. KI does what the girls tell him to do

Edited June 15, 2010 by Anna