Dogs need to be socialized in order to become stable, well rounded companions. However, I believe there is a big misconception on how we socialize our dogs, particularly not taking into account the temperament of the dogs in question. Yes, it is very important that puppies are able to meet as many different people (adults, children, men, women, different races, different sizes etc.) and get out to as many different places as possible in their early months in order to accustom them to our ever changing, busy world, but, no one seems to mention that if a dog is inherently fearful, or inherently shy, you can throw 30,000 people at them in there first optimal socialization days, but you may still end up with the dog who is nervous around strangers or skittish at new surroundings.
It also seems that many people think of the dog park as a great place to have their pooch socialize and learn how to behave around other dogs, but this really isn't in the best interest of your dog as there are too many things that can "go wrong" at the dog park. The concept is nice, but the fact that they are not "policed" and the fact that owners bring dogs who shouldn't be there, or decided they don't need to pay attention to their dogs once in the fence, makes the "go wrong" inevitable. Dogs who lack confidence, are fearful or aggressive are sure to experience negative situations at the dog park that can exacerbate their already delicate temperaments.
One of the best forms of socialization that we have found is simply taking your dog on a walk, be that walk with another canine buddy, another human buddy or just by yourself with your best friend. The walk is a fantastic time to practice obedience, and also is a great opportunity to get dogs out into the world without putting direct social pressure on them that may be overwhelming to some.
To clarify, the walk should be a walk only, and not a parade of greeting all other dogs outside, as this can have negative consequences down the road. It is more important to have your dog pay attention and listen to you, rather than learn that the walk means playing with other dogs. It is important for your dog to learn to coexist with other dogs passing by, but that you are more important than those other dogs. If not, you can end up with the screaming roaring mess at the end of th
e leash, that demands to greet every canine it encounters, which in turn can lead to leash aggression.
Teaching proper human greeting skills is essential and can be practiced on the walk as well. Sit nice for petting and a friendly stranger may offer a treat - this doubles up on both the positive experience with other people, and the reinforcement of good behaviour around newcomers.
Keep in mind, when socializing and working with your dog on a walk, that many others will not have the same control over their own dogs (or children for that matter), and it is best, at the point of passing, to move off so that your dog does not experience the negative behaviour of the other, on-coming dog. Keep the social experience positive, and keep that positive directed towards yourself so that you become the best thing in the world to your dog, and their confidence in you grows.
A great way to introduce dogs to each other is going for a walk together. I've had many dogs become "friends" this way as the dogs got the opportunity to learn about the other using their noses, ears and eyes, without the sometimes overwhelming, direct contact/pressure. Of course, this means keeping your dog under control, and preferably in the heel position while you are walking, as the idea of this is not a leash tangling, free-for-all. Even my anti-social Jack Russell has accepted and even made friends with dogs in this way. The dog has the opportunity to feel comfortable first and that is extremely important.
So use the walk as both an opportunity to introduce your dog to the world, as a reduced social pressure environment and always use it as a training opportunity when ever possible.
