Just How Socialized Is Your Dog?

Socialize your dog with as many new
situations, environments, people,
objects and animals as possible.

There’s a lot of talk about having a ‘well socialized’ dog but just what does that mean? Ask a dozen different dog owners and you’ll probably get a dozen different answers.

I find a lot of people describing their dog’s level of socialization only in terms of having relationships with other dogs. Something along the lines of, “Oh my dog is great with other dogs – my sister has two dogs and they all get along fine.” or, “My dog loves going to the dog park – he has a blast!”

It’s also quite common to hear people talk about a dog’s socialization as if it was an ability or skill that, once learned, is the equivalent of having a lifetime membership in ‘Club Socialization’.

Sorry folks… that’s not it... and not by a long shot. So what’s the answer? Let’s start by checking out these definitions from three online resources:

• Word English Dictionary: Socialization (n) : “The modification from infancy of an individual's behaviour to conform with the demands of social life.”
   
• Medical Dictionary: “Socialization - The process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one’s society.”
   
• Cultural Dictionary: “Socialization - Learning customs, attitudes and values of a social group, community or culture. Socialization is most strongly enforced by family, school and peer groups and continues throughout an individual’s lifetime.”

Now I grant you these definitions were worded in relation to humans, but they apply to the socialization needs of our canine companions equally well.

So, again, what is the answer?

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