While talking with someone today about why I do not want my puppy around other dogs, the reason I gave was that I want to be the center of my dog's universe and I don't see a need for her to meet other dogs at dog parks, on walks etc, unless I know them. And that even though she won't be socialized around other dogs, it won't matter if she sees strange dogs, cats etc because of how I'm setting up her training, (hopefully) she will listen to me and not act inappropriately.

When I went on to explain that I was socializing her to people, this person asked why I would socialize her to people if I wanted to be the center of her universe and she would be under my control.

I couldn't really answer it other than there is more of a chance of her interacting with people than dogs to which they said, "but she will be under your control, just like if she saw a strange dog".

So...... why socialize to people? In the wild, packs stay together and don't mix with other packs, right? I plan on continuing the socialization, but figured I'd throw this out for discussion.

Mike

Mike: Can you expound a little more on what you mean by "socializing her to people"?. With my dogs, I do very little socialization with outsiders, but mine are schutzhund sport dogs. In fact, I don't let strangers pet my sport dog ever. Incidentally, as my dogs mature they have no issues with outside people or dogs, not shy or aggressive, just not interested in them.

Dogs bond easier to other dogs.

I don't like strangers playing with my dogs though, but people I know, club members etc no problem.

In Ed's puppy video, he talks about having strangers feed your dog while walking them to get them used to people, but goes on to say he doesn't let strange dogs near his dog.

I've also read to bring your dog/ puppy with you to the coffee shop, work, shopping mall. I guess this could be to get them used to different sights and sounds not just people.

Could be just a puppy thing?

People feeding your dog is for a shy or antisocial dog. It's problem solving rather than socialization. Socialization with people when you have a dog that doesn't have a sociability problem is literally just exposing them to being AROUND people not neccesarily being petted or fed by people.

I love it. I have this mental picture of you whispering "squirrels" followed by the entrance of the hounds of the baskervilles. Excellent!