Whale eye and a lip lick. . .Risa is clear she'd like Rio to keep away.
Maybe it’s just because I have a dog who has issues with other dogs, but I’ve noticed that a large majority of dogs have terrible social skills. This frustrates me immensely. I know it frustrates Risa too.
There have been several occasions where a dog has approached Risa on a walk. She is dog reactive but generally does not react when we pass dogs. However, if a dog violates her space bubble, she will let him know.
I remember one day in particular when we were rushed by an off-leash dog. As the dog ran up to Risa, she stiffened. Her eyes were hard, her commissure pulled forward, and she bark/lunged. This dog continued coming, circled around her, and tried to sniff her rear end. It had absolutely no clue that she was upset and didn’t want social contact!
I have just met you but I LOVE you!
I hate to single out particular breeds but it seems that retrievers are the worst culprits. However, I don’t feel the dogs themselves are at fault. It’s commonly believed that they’re just naturally friendly so many people fail to socialize them at all! What they don’t realize is that retrievers generally do not have social space bubbles; they are comfortable with dogs getting right up in their faces. Many of these breeds don’t realize that other dogs do have space bubbles and do not like up close contact with dogs they’ve just met. It’s common for many dogs to get very upset with this rude behavior.
Herding breeds, in particular, tend to have large space bubbles. Retrievers and many of the bully breeds are perfectly comfortable being right on top of other dogs (and people!) and have small or no personal space issues.
I find it’s often easier to understand when you put it in human terms. Many people feel uncomfortable when someone puts their face within inches of theirs. Most of us would prefer to keep some distance, especially when the person is a stranger. We also generally don’t like close, physical contact with people we don’t know. You wouldn’t want a stranger coming up and giving you a big bear hug when you were at the grocery store. Your dog feels the same way! Close, personal contact is generally reserved for friends.
Risa asks the Brittany to back off. He listened and no further action was necessary on her part.
I wish the importance of socialization were more widely know and properly implemented. It’s not enough to just have your dog meet lots of other dogs. It’s not just about having a dog interact with any and every dog it sees. That can teach a dog that it will get to play with every dog it comes across. Not to mention there are dogs you find on a walk that are not appropriate dogs to introduce to your puppy!
What is important is that all puppies get a chance to interact with other puppies and socially appropriate older dogs. By playing with fellow pups, they learn from each other how to communicate. Body slamming a dog that doesn’t appreciate that play style will result in a yelp and a stoppage of play. The consequences of their behavior is noted in their growing brains and they learn what signals other dogs give that mean they’ve had enough! Older dogs are less likely to put up with the antics of pups and are helpful in teaching them a bit more control.
The best way to socialize your puppy properly is to bring him to a well-run puppy play date. Many training facilities offer them and you’ll benefit from trainers who know what appropriate play looks like. Should a dog start bullying your dog, they will be able to intervene and help both dogs out. Not to mention they often employ a screening process; your puppy will have some well-rounded playmates.
Elsa really wants Risa to play with her. Risa is just not comfortable enough and chooses not to engage.
If you can’t find something like that then look for well-rounded adult dogs to introduce your pup to. Make sure that older dog is tolerant of some puppy antics (not all dogs are) and isn’t overly excited, a bully, or fearful. You want your young dog to have GOOD experiences with other dogs!
When you have a well-socialized dog, it really makes everyone’s life so much easier. Your dog will know when to leave another dog alone. Those of us walking reactive dogs will have an easier time rehabilitating them. Dog parks will be less chaotic with more dogs able to understand one another. Not to mention you won’t have to change your plans or your walking route because other dogs might be there! 😉
