The Power of Proper Socialization
Socialization is a big buzz word especially with puppies and newly adopted dogs as they typically have had the least opportunities to be socialized. Some myths surrounding socialization include socialization= direct interaction or my personal favorite socialization= going to dog parks/ daycare to “play”. PSA most daycares and dog parks are one of the worst ways to socialize your dog but I will save that for another day.
Truthfully, socialization is existence with new experiences. Therefore, socialization really means exposing your dog to all the things out in the world(women, children, sirens, fireworks, robot vacuums, bikes, skateboards, walkers, umbrellas, canes etc). During such exposures, the goal is for your dog to have a positive interaction with these things but if your dog has a mild startle or stressful moment that is okay. You can use distance and your body to help keep your dog feeling safe during these moments. Keep in mind you should also be in control of the exposure by being sure you’re clear to your dog about what is allowed and what is not. Reward good behaviors like engagement with their handler or calm behaviors and correct anything inappropriate (jumping, lunging, etc).
Socialization is the foundation for a confident, well-behaved dog and decreases the chance of troublesome behaviors such as anxiousness and reactivity. In dog training we teach clients about the art of doing nothing.
The “art of doing nothing” is observation socialization. This is what you should actively practice if you want to socialize your dog. This skill is essential for your dog learning to self soothe, and relax without your affection or attention 24/7. This skill starts being taught to puppies with crate training and easily transferred to other duration commands(sit/down stays, place etc.) down the road.
Teaching your dog to do nothing is essential for learning to exist in spaces and maintaining an overall calm state of mind. For instance, when an owner is out to eat at a patio restaurant and your dog falls asleep in a down stay under the table. The dog is showing its ability to have the impulse control to just exist. It is not impossible or out of reach for most owners.
Here are some key ingredients to success for teaching your dog to do nothing:
🐾teaching duration commands like place or down/stay will improve transfer of behavior
🐾taking structured walks with solid heel without sniffing or pulling for duration of time. This will help put your dogs mind and ease letting them get used to you taking the lead so they can just relax
🐾work on impulse control in other settings such as waiting for food, or thresholds.
🐾meeting your dog's physical needs first will help make doing nothing so much easier and enjoyable
🐾set boundaries in public- your dog will thank you. Just say “no” or “no thank you, we’re in training” to strangers who want to interact with your dog.
Overall, your dog needs to have positive and controlled interactions with other people, things and dogs in their environment. Practicing the art of doing nothing around a variety of these environmentals broadens you and your dog’s life together. Today is a great day to take a step in the direction of a better life for you and your pet dog!
Alisha Coddington
Owner of Spotless K9 Training
