May 11, 2021

How much socialization with other dogs does my adult German Shepherd need?

Full Question:
Hi, how much socialization with other dogs does my almost 5 year old gsd need? He interacts with son's golden daily in short increments and is with me pretty much 24/7.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
Dogs don't need socialization with dogs from outside their circle of family/friends. As long as you are meeting your dog's needs for exercise, training, and enrichment - meeting or saying hi to other dogs isn't something necessary and in some cases, it's detrimental to a certain type of dog. I do want my dogs to be neutral around unfamiliar dogs and people but I never allow them to meet and interact with dogs I don't know. Too many chances for an issue.

Here is part of a lecture from one of our puppy courses but it applies to adult dogs in reference to socialization... Early Stages of Socializing with Michael Ellis Part 1

I hope this helps.
User Response:
Thank you very much

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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