I feel there are other ways to dog-socialize out there. I do think that dog on dog socialization that permits interactions between the dogs has its place.

I've been around SAR training where after training the dogs are permitted (with some wise exceptions) to run about together. This is after a period of one on one training and exercise. What I observed worked well.

I have introduced dogs in the context of a wilderness hike, starting on lead and then once tensions and excitement dissipate off-lead. The advantage here is myriad interesting stimulants: dogs not always preoccupied with each other, no territoriality. I typical location would be a high country ski or old woodsroads.

With my double kennel I have the occasional guest dog that is eased into a relationship with my dog at home (works with my tolerant female beauceron).

I took a timid but high prey drive gsd to a dog day care where he was successfully socialized and by the end of it a group of beagles used to play under his feet, whereas before he would have run them down. He started out with a muzzle but before long it was not necessary.

on the minus side I took my cattle dog to dog day care and he didn't like it much, and didn't want much to do with most of the other dogs. It was stressful for him and I didn't continue it long.

The advantage for me is that even on my rural property a friendly stray can come over, and not be creamed by my beauceron if we are out doing yardwork or with the kids.

AM

Yep! "I feel there are other ways to dog-socialize out there. "

The off-leash dog park problem as I see it is that all the careful socializing, all the ability of the dog to interact with non-pack members without reactivity, fear-aggression, etc. --- all of this can be wiped out by one strange dog under no control attacking our dog(s).

My dogs have canine "friends," as I've mentioned here and there, but I would be fine if they did not happen to have dog buddies to romp with. The dog buddies they do have were controlled by me and by their (known to me) owners at the beginning. There was no "let them 'work it out'." They weren't strange dogs whose background, aggression, or control were completely unknown to me.

 Quote: connie sutherland

There was no "let them 'work it out'."

Boy, is THAT a great point. I can only imagine the level of anarchy that would exist if "let them work it out" was the philosophy around here

I just got a mailing today about an 8,000 sf. indoor dog park, with 2,400 sf. of outdoor area, opening 5 minutes from me. They are calling it a "doggie amusement park" with tunnels, runs, agility courses, spa, lounge with doggie snacks and drinks. You need to buy a yearly membership and have a vet health certificate. It's conveniently located near the 24 hour emergency vet clinic!

My dogs are on the friends and family plan, dogs I know well!

Threads like this brings up once again the question; just what does 'socialization' mean? What is it suppose to mean? Does it have a definitive meaning?

I only know my definition. That would be "so used to being around everything that they are calm, confident, and non-reactive."

"Everything" includes people and dogs passing by, guests in the house, repairmen (once I welcome them in), vet people, and so on.

What's yours?


eta
I would be furious and very sad if one of dogs were to be attacked and jarred from his confident and calm outlook. The human who allowed his/her dog to do that to my dog would be in an immediately precarious position.

I suspect mine is very close to yours Connie.

Rest assured though it has NOTHING to do with romping and playing (or whatever) with some dog/s or another that happens to be around at the same time.

My dogs get plenty of "dog time" with each other on our twice daily walks in the field (well, I walk - they run, chase each other and act like dogs). There are a couple other dogs that they interact with play with at times. Dogs that I know that belong to a couple of friends.

Other than that, I'd prefer that they want to do something with me. And, given an option, they'll pick training/playing/time with me over anything else.

I'd love to take my four to a dog park---but only if there were no other dogs there. ;-)

We don't go to dog parks because I simply don't want my dogs to be forced to make "doggie friends" with strangers. I prefer that my dogs IGNORE other dogs. It's enough of a challenge (one that we've mastered quite well, thank you) to walk four dogs at once. I'd never be able to do so if they wanted to stop and say hello to every dog we meet. They know that other dogs are just that--other. they are not us. And we ignore them. Especially the poorly behaved ones. We talk about them after we pass by.