Dog Socialization with Other Dogs

The first time many dog owners realize they have a problem with dog socialization is when their dog becomes totally uncontrollable, barking and growling around other neighborhood dogs. A dog’s aggressive attitude toward another dog is often the result of the dog being taken from his mother too early in his development. When a puppy is taken from his mother before he is at least 8 weeks old he will not be fully socialized. Ten weeks is preferable. Dog socialization is learned by a puppy from his mother and siblings.

Dog to Dog Socialization

During the first few weeks of life a puppy has many things to learn and discover. A puppy’s world changes radically throughout the first eight to ten weeks of his life. The pup siblings teach one another the social etiquette required for dogs to live together as a pack.

As siblings play together they are using and developing muscle strength which helps them to readily move around. Often when watching puppies play together you will notice a pup nibble on another pup. If the nibble bite was just a minor nibble it is quickly forgotten in the rambunctious play of the moment. However, if the bite was severe the offended pup will let out a howl followed immediately by shunning the puppy that bit him. In this way the pups teach one another bite inhibition. The puppies mother teaches them limitations using a similar strategy, in other words, she shuns the offending pup when he has exceeded the permitted boundaries.

It is in the first ten weeks of life that the mother teaches her pups the social rules of living among other dogs. When a puppy is taken away from his mother too soon in his psychological development the puppy is deprived of the opportunity to learn the dog socialization lessons that he would otherwise be taught by his siblings and mother.

Introducing One Dog to Another

Some dog breeds innately dislike other dogs. In dealing with these specific dog breeds you need to be aware of their natural tendency to dislike any dog entering their immediate environment. Dog socialization is not possible with these breeds but, generally, other dogs are social animals and will make friends with dogs not of their own breed.

Your dog should to be given the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. Dog socialization is easier with young dogs and puppies than mature full grown dogs. With full grown dogs their physical ability to be aggressive must be closely monitored. The introduction of an older dog, which needs socialization training, should be limited to one guest dog at a time.

Often the introduction of mature dogs causes problems because both want to be in the dominant position. This is the main reason for the introduction to be slow while closely monitoring the individual responses of the dogs. Over time, usually two or three meetings, the hierarchy between the two dogs will be settled creating the possibility for friendship. With limited, supervised introduction your dog will become accustomed to the presence of other dogs.

Aggression While Walking with a Leash

A well-behaved dog that suddenly becomes aggressive toward another dog, while on a leash, presents a new factor. Along with surprise comes the inability to control your dog, especially if he is a large, full-grown dog. The best way to handle this situation is by introducing the dogs slowly. Dog socialization can be facilitated by allowing them to meet under monitored conditions.

Often in highly aggressive dog confrontations both dogs desire dominance over the other dog. Introducing the dogs should be done carefully especially if your dog does not see you as the authority figure. If you can maintain control of your dog’s leash than two or three meetings should be sufficient to socialize the dogs with each another. When you feel trust has been established you will be able to relax control on the leash.

In order to feel comfortable around other dogs your dog needs to be given opportunities to socialize. Only domesticated dogs are placed in a position where there are often no other dogs to be sociable around. As a result. it is a good idea to find opportunities to introduce your dog to other dogs. In this way dog socialization with other dogs can be successful.