How do I learn more about socializing my puppy with other dogs? I don’t want him to have a bad experience.

I am now working through the Michael Ellis puppy development courses but I would like to know where I can learn more specifically on socialization with other dogs. We are taking our puppy out for walks and a lot of dogs on leashes seem aggressive. He is supposed to meet other dogs but I don’t trust them. Is there a course on how to safely introduce him to other dogs and how to deal with neighbors who want their dogs to say hi to my puppy? I want him to socialize with dogs but I also don’t want him to have a bad experience. Thank you.

Cindy's Answer:

You may want to read more about our definition of socialization here: How to Socialize Your New Puppy

I don't really worry about my puppy meeting strange dogs because if I don't know the dog, then I have no idea what kind of temperament and interdog social skills that dog has. I prefer to teach my pup to be neutral to strangers and strange dogs. There is nothing wrong with dogs having a circle of friends but that needs to be a very specific type of dog.

As for neighbors who what their dogs to say hi to my puppy, I simply say "No Thanks, my puppy is in training." I've raised countless puppies over the years and I never let them meet strange dogs or neighborhood dogs simply because other people ask. It's up to me to protect my pup from a potentially bad experience. Socializing doesn't mean they have to meet & interact with strange people and dogs, it simply means they should be exposed to being around a lot of different people, dogs, places and things in a safe and productive way.

The proximity of the exposure will vary based on your puppy’s temperament, confidence, and level of training. I know I’m on the right track when my puppy sees a new person or dog at a distance and offers attention to me without a prompt. They are learning that new things in their environment mean rewards, play, and interaction with me.