Socializing your dog to people and dogs

[gemy]

I thought I'd start this thread and every-one can add on to where and how they socialize their dogs. Now this is for the average dog, not a dog with temperament issues.

In no particular order:

1. Outdoor Farmers Markets: Such a great place to do this. Although be warned that if you have a cute pup it might take you 20 minutes to go down one aisle Dara did so well today, there were lots of young kids, she even had a baby put on her back with Daddy holding the 1yr old. Hubby came with me and every time I looked back he was surrounded by folks petting Dara. Oh and btw Dara is a large puppy at 9 mths and about 70lbs

2. Pet Stores - go to both small and large stores. Different times of the day/evening

3. Volunteer charity events - Like walk for a cure the ones that allow you to bring your dog along.

4. Busy parks and quiet parks.

5. Outdoor dog shows - Often will allow you in with your dog that is under control.

6. Sporting arenas especially ones that are located in parks. The noise of the crowd cheering, smell of hot dogs, etc. Often these parks will have baseball games on or soccer etc.

7. Driving ranges that are outdoors. Watch the golfers and see who comes up to say Hi!

8. Parks conservation areas with lakes or beaches. On a sunny warm day, tons of people

9. Outside flea markets

10. Outdoor ski hill. In wintertime lots of folks around.

11. Downtown in your city on a busy day. Walk the city streets.

12. Outdoor patios (if they allow you to bring your dog in)

13. Doggy daycare places

14. Of course your friends houses apartments

15. Take your dog for a bus ride or a subway ride.

16. Take a ferry anywhere on vacation what have you

17. Go into a vets office just to say hi

18. My bank lets me come in with my dog.

Just remember pick up your poop. Also it is a good idea to have some paper towels in case of loose stools
Water as needed
Extra collar/leash if you are out and about

Add your own suggestions

[kreuer]

Lexi's first experience around a large group of dogs and people was at her obedience class. I was a little nervous at first, and so was she the first day, but it was a great experience for her to be around dogs of all sizes.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by kreuer

Lexi's first experience around a large group of dogs and people was at her obedience class. I was a little nervous at first, and so was she the first day, but it was a great experience for her to be around dogs of all sizes.

Yup that is a good one for sure

[yorkietalkjilly]

Wow! Great ideas all.

If the dog is in very bad shape and essentially panicked by all stranger contact, I would sit on the floor beside the dog in the living room, have had a helper come to the front door, open it and briefly just stand there so the dog could get their scent through the screen and then walk away, not even looking at the dog. Over time, the dog came to see that they could be near a stranger w/out going into fear.

Once a dog could accept that without running or acting afraid and they perked their ears rather than pulled them back, the stranger/helper would come into the house carrying a luscious boiled meat treat from a treat-pouch hanging from the front door knob, not acknowledge the dog at all, drop the treat and walk out again as I would sit by the dog in the living room and distract him if he were capable of being distracted.

At first, one or two dogs won't even approach the treat but if his breakfast has been delayed for this specific re-training in not being fearful of humans, in time, if left on their own, they manage to get to that food. This is a way to start with very, very human-fearful dogs who are yet too frightened to do anything but pee, shake or look for a place to run when they set foot outdoors in the front yard or see a stranger nearby. In time, the dogs begin to associate a strange human with non-threatening activity that includes the strangers sharing resources with them and they slowly begin to accept having strangers do more things in their presence without fear.

[shelbysmom]

We have greenbelt walking areas near our home where we see regular "friends" walking every morning. Ali is submissive around them but she loves each and every one of them and they are all very kind and gentle dogs.

Fashion Island in Southern CA (outdoor mall) allows dogs and most of the stores (including Macys and Nordstrom welcome them)

Hiking all types of trails, meet new people and LOTs of dogs.

Going to SF in a few weeks so it will be her first plane ride and big city experience.

[gemy]

I forgot about hiking (how could I !), but in main I tend to go rather early and don't meet many folks.

I do remember some lovely hikes at Lake Superior and also some very close calls on narrow steep trails

[yorkietalkjilly]

Oh, Gail, when will I learn to fully read an OP?!?! I didn't see that sentence about not including dogs with temperament issues! I'm so sorry! As thread author, just have my post deleted so we can keep this thread purely for normal, healthy dogs.

[Clydes]

Hi Gemy,
Thanks for making this thread and sharing these ideas to make your dog social. Your post will be of great help for those who are looking for ideas to make their dogs social.

[gemy]

Sometimes over the years owners fall into a routine. But really dogs need tune ups every so often. That can mean a number of simple things. If in the first couple of years you built a solid foundation it will be pretty easy.

Go to a different park or venue. See above list. Practice basic obedience commands in unusual places. Bus or subway rides can be fun and top off a strange outing with a welcome play session.