Trainer Tip: Successful Off-Leash Socializing

Whoo! No more Winter Hibernation! For many of us dog owners, this makes the outdoors a much more inviting place.  Our dogs must inwardly inwardly rejoice when the sun shines, knowing that trips to the park, games of fetch and walks galore are likely to get a little longer.

If the sunshine means more trips to the dog park for you and your dog, then it's important to understand some of the Dos and Don'ts of doggie socialization.

Not All Dogs Like The Dog Park 

It is not unusual for dogs to become a bit more selective about playmates as they mature. This means that some dogs will have less stressful social experiences when playing with a canine buddy or two, rather than a pack pooches.  Plenty of dogs would just as soon play with you, go for a jog or a swim than enter the canine mosh pit. 

Happy Play = Loose + Wiggly + Balanced  

You should see play bows, paw lifts, equally matched wrestling and chasing to invite and continue playtime.  You might also hear yips and snarks to let a dog know when play is too rough.  You should see dogs backing off when a buddy says, "Ouch!", and frequent breaks in the activity.  It's important to consider just how jazzed up your dog is getting.  Does he check in with you?  Can you call him or redirect his attention? 

If your pet seems tense and alert upon approaching another dog, keep it short or skip it. When you want to call your dog to you, soften your tone, kneel, and angle slightly away from her. This "invitation" is less confrontational and more likely to get the desired response. Now you and your pup are talking the same language, and better communication strengthens the human-dog relationship!

Rude, Dude
Mobbing, teasing, and bullying...a group chasing and cornering one dog, or relentless barking and nipping at a dog that clearly isn't interested.  Yes, even the sweetest pooch can engage in mob mentality! Whether your dog is playing, bullying or being bullied, frequent and calm time-outs are essential to your dog's well-being. Should you feel that your dog isn't playing well with others, then leave the park and find another activity. 

Convenience For You or Fun For Fido?

If your dog is hiding, fighting, avoiding contact with other dogs then consider why you go.  Did you skip training your dog to walk well on leash, to come when called or to play nicely with you?  Is this your time to catch up on texts and emails?  How about some positive training time with your dog, perhaps taking a class or enjoying something fun together?  Set your dog up for successful social interactions...your pooch will thank you!

Speak Dog: What's in a Wag?

What's your dog thinking? Whether or not our four-legged friends are thinking deep thoughts is anyone's guess. Luckily, reading canine body language is less of a mystery.

Check out your pooch next time you greet each other. Is Fido's tail wagging so widely that it takes his entire backside along with it? A happy tail often lies midway between sky-high and tucked low, swinging or helicopter circling. If pooch becomes tense and alert ["Do I know that dog?"] you're more likely to see a vibrating, upward pointing tail. Bet you already recognize the tightly tucked tail and rounded back of a nervous nelly.

Bottom right: What is the Italian Greyhound's tail saying?

Our own body language is sometimes at odds with doggie etiquette. Humans love to hug and kiss, but this is often overbearing, scary or downright rude in dogspeak. Humans may face one another and make eye contact. Yet, canine culture may understand this a threatening posture, responding with fear, uncertainty or aggression.

If your pet seems tense and alert upon approaching another dog, keep it short or skip it. When you want to call your dog to you, soften your tone, kneel, and angle slightly away from her. This "invitation" is less confrontational and more likely to get the desired response. Now you and your pup are talking the same language, and better communication strengthens the human-dog relationship!

Relate: The Relationship, Training Begins Here

Pet dogs are happier when you are a confident, trustworthy and safe leader...a guide worth following!  Providing structure and reasonable social “rules” help our dogs feel secure and avoid frequent conflict. A clear, kind relationship with your dog also makes it much easier to successfully motivate and reinforce training.  Here are a few tips on what it takes to be a good dog leader/handler/guide/friend:

1.  Act the Part
Good leaders are calm and confident; proactive, rather than reactive. Provide encouragement, set boundaries, model wise behavior and make corrections into “teaching moments” that show your dog a better way.  Losing your cool doesn’t advertise you as a “leader”; it makes you seem unpredictable.

2.  Initiate Interactions
Invite your dog to you by calling him to you, rather than letting him maul you for pats.  Your attention is rewarding to your dog, so provide it for behavior you like, rather than being cajoled into giving it.

3.  Teach Your Dog to Say, “Please”
Asking your dog to do something briefly before you provide attention, food, toys, play, walks, etc... not only encourages your dog to defer politely to you, but also helps strengthen canine manners.  Request that your dog “Watch”, “Sit” or “Wait” before proceeding with enjoyable activities.

4.  Set Your Dog Up For Success
It isn’t fair to expect your dog to know your “rules” unless you teach him what they are, then consistently stick to them!  Teach your rules early, regularly, and without exception. Help him make good choices through management (like a leash or gentle collar hold when greeting visitors), then practice and reward.

5.  Good Things Come From You
You buy the kibble and toys, and own the hands for belly rubbing...you’re rich with canine valuables!  Be discerning, but not stingy, in how you provide these resources.  Toss that tennis ball because your dog quickly responded to your request to “lie down”, rather than because he’s dropped it in your lap.  Be affectionate, loving and giving, and use your riches to reinforce good behavior.

6.  Get To Know Your Dog
You got a dog for companionship, right?  So, really spend some time with him.  Put away your smart phone and play with your dog...every single day.  If your dog thinks fun comes only in the shape of other dogs, you've got some relationship-building to do!  Teach him how to understand your language, but observe and learn your dog’s body language, too.  Communication is a two-way street, after all.