socialization is probably the most important, and responsible thing we can do when we decide to bring home our new puppy or rescue dog. But for some reason many folks believe that bringing your new puppy, or rescue dog to the dog park for unleashed, unmanaged romps is the go to activity to achieve this, huh? Not!

The American Veterinary Medical Association defines socialization in dogs as the process of preparing a dog to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. If this is true, and I believe they have this one spot on, then how could one achieve proper socialization when a dog is unmanaged, and off leash. Your not present in what your dog maybe experiencing during that romp you think she need so badly. If your go to for exercise and socialization is off-leash hours at your local dog park, you’re doing it wrong. Not only is it irresponsible, but youre likely to accomplish the exact opposite of socialization.

I’ve owned and help other folks to train their dog for over 20 years. And I can say with certainty that at least 60% of the behavioral issues I come across are a direct result of unmanaged time at the dog park. Are you watching what’s happening out there? Its crazy! Yes there are some dogs that play together well. But more often than not your dog is stressed. And yeah, she looks really happy but the fact is your dog is over stimulated as a result of that relentless chase. She’s probably also learning to deal with this stress with exploratory displays of aggression. And even worse, she maybe the victim of some other dogs exploratory aggression! Ask your self this simple question, is it possible that your dog could become tired and overwhelmed by a younger, faster, stronger dog? Or is your dog so fast, and strong that she is likely to overwhelm some older, slower, weaker dog? well if either of these is possible, and you’re not present in that experience, then you need to rethink your approach my friend. Why wait for something bad to happen?

Introducing your dog to other animals, people, or places should always be well thought out, and certainly supervised to ensure that these experiences are always positive and that they benefit your dog. Would you leave your children to run wild in a classroom full of other wild children? Of course you wouldn’t, you’d be concerned this type of environment would be a bad influence on your kid. How is it then that you could unleash your dog in a dog park full of other dogs you don’t know and think this is a productive method for socialization? It doesn’t make sense, I know!

Socializing your dog should be about helping your dog to be comfortable within a human society. You should be introducing your dog to other animals, people, or places is such a way that your dog is relaxed, not over stimulated, and comfortable. Take a second and think about it folks. unleashed time should be a privilege. It should be earned as a result of continued good behavior. As owner / handlers it is our responsibility to ensure we are making strategic decisions regarding exercise and socialization for our dogs. That means providing safe, managed experiences for our own dog, and for other dogs within our communities.