Comments on: Is Dog Socialization Good or Bad?

By: Boxer Best Friends

Boxer Best Friends — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:20:05 +0000

[…] He is less likely to misbehave or use aggression, even in stressful and unexpected situations. Instead, he trusts us to handle things, and is a happier and more balanced dog as a result.” Read more […]

By: shibashake

shibashake — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:11:01 +0000

In reply to Shaun. With Sephy, I did dog-to-dog desensitization exercises to help him be more calm in the presence of other dogs. We had a great local SPCA, so we did structured training exercises there with one of their trainers and a variety of dogs that they picked. We started with very calm dogs, and then later on we did younger dogs, etc. I also tried taking Sephy to enclosed dog parks, but I quickly realized that it was not appropriate for his temperament. He ended up learning a lot of bad habits, he would often get over-excited, lose control, and behave badly. Here are some of our experiences at enclosed dog parks. The desensitization exercises helped to raise Sephy's tolerance for other dogs, so he walks quite well now, and we just ignore other dogs. For playing, Sephy does best in structured small play groups, that are well supervised. He likes larger dogs that are relaxed, playful, and friendly, so I pick his playmates accordingly.

By: Shaun

Shaun — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:13:04 +0000

I feel like my Shiba, a 3 yo male I recently adopted, was not socialized by the previous owners. He’s great around people and I feel that he had a lot of human socialization. But not so much other dogs. He’s okay around Golden Retrievers, but smaller dogs he usually freaks out at with Shiba “screaming”. This doesn’t happen as much when we’re not in our neighborhood, perhaps he feels that our area is his “turf”? He does this especially in our apt building stairs and lobby when he sees another dog, and its so loud, I’m afraid that the neighbors will start to complain if it happens daily when I take him outside.
Do you recommend that I find a neighbor who has a Shiba and is pretty friendly to do some 1-1 socialization? Im a bit afraid to take him to a dog park as I’m not sure what will happen.

By: shibashake

shibashake — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:28:13 +0000

In reply to Lisa.

Hello Lisa,
Thank you very much for the award!

I have been thinking of getting together a bunch of my favorite Shiba links, so this will get me going. 😀

Hugs to Toby, Oskar, and the rest of your gang!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:57:02 +0000

Great information, as always! You can’t oversocialize a dog!

I’m passing along a blog award, too, as I’ve found your blog really informative, esp. for people who are relatively new to dogs. here’s the link to my blog with info. about the award: http://fromthehouseofthefoxdogs.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/we-won-an-award/

By: shibashake

shibashake — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 03:56:27 +0000

In reply to Andrea.

with around 2,000 people and many other dogs and he ignored everyone – except the one guy with the plate of ribs…

That is both impressive and funny. Smart Kiba! 😀

The title is Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz.

I will definitely put it on my book list – which keeps growing and growing. Thanks for the recommendation.

Meanwhile, I tried out the sounds of coyote this evening (only at soft volume) and it worked out well. Lara is still a bit stressed, but not as stressed as she was on the night of the Singing Coyotes.

It was funny because Sephy got all excited too, and wanted to go out and chase the coyotes away. We called him over and let him see that the sound was coming from the computer. He couldn’t be cuter because he cocked his head this way, that way, and the other way. Then he just lay down and enjoyed the singing. 😀

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 04:42:07 +0000

I just acquired a new book from Barnes and Noble today. The title is Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz. I’ve only read through the first chapter or two, but I’m hooked already. It basically explains the way dogs perceive the world in a very scientific manner. It’s perfect for me, because I’m a sucker for science books. You should check it out, I’m sure you’d find it interesting.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:04:10 +0000

Kiba’s a lot like Zeus. Nothing really freaks him out. Of course, our house is pretty chaotic and we drag him around with us all over the place now that he’s vaccinated. My proudest moment was when we went to the food carts at lunch time with around 2,000 people and many other dogs and he ignored everyone – except the one guy with the plate of ribs… 🙂

By: shibashake

shibashake — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:35:51 +0000

In reply to Jess.

Hi Jess,
Great point with the sound socialization!

In fact, the coyotes that live in the hills nearby our house was having a singing party last night and this really freaked out puppy Lara.

Maybe I will create a coyote top 10 mix for her. 😀

Big hugs to Zeus and a Happy Weekend to your pack.

By: Jess

Jess — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:50:04 +0000

Another great article, Shibashake! Thankfully Zeus loves all dogs, people, bugs, you name it. He even wanted to be friends with a bee yesterday and tried to smell the bees butt (bad idea). It didn’t take much to socialize him and now he goes to dog camp at least three days a week with his friends. But one thing I was really glad that his breeder did when he was born, was play a tape of random sounds all the time. This included sirens, vaccumes, blow dryers, thunder, etc. Now he isn’t sound shy at all, he doesn’t attack the vaccume cleaner (or even move from his bed), he doesn’t freak out when it storms, he lays on my feet while I blow dry my hair… I hadn’t thought of sound socialization but I am SO glad that she did! Thanks for all the tips as always, have a wonderful weekend.