When people talk about dog socialization, they usually mean dog-to-dog socialization. In other words, introducing a dog to many other balanced dogs so that he can learn proper social skills and be confident when meeting new canine friends.

However, dog socialization is much more than that.

Dog socialization is teaching our dogs to be comfortable and confident with his environment, the objects in his environment, people in his environment, and also other dogs in his environment.

In fact, a well socialized dog will not only be comfortable in his regular routine, but will also be confident enough to handle new situations and changes in his routine.

Dog Socialization – What, Why, How
Source: ShibaShake Dog Pictures

The goal of dog socialization is to build our dog’s confidence by exposing him to a variety of experiences in a positive context.

If we simply throw as many new things as possible at our dog, without care for the quality of the experience, he may be forced to constantly cope with fear, uncertainly, and negativity. This will teach him to fear new things, which is the opposite of what dog socialization is about.

Indeed the goal of dog socialization is to acclimatize our dogs to unusual circumstances and give them new tools to handle stress, anxiety, or perceived danger other than through fight or flight.

The goal of dog socialization is to build our dog’s confidence by exposing him to a variety of experiences in a positive context.

Why Is Dog Socialization a Good Thing?

Is dog socialization really such a good thing?

Recently, dog socialization has become a popular dog rearing concept. Proud dog parents, dog trainers, dog behaviorists, breeders, vet technicians, and everyone else in between is talking about it. However,

• Is dog socialization really such a good thing?
• Do we really need to socialize our dogs? Why?

There are many advantages to socializing our dog.

• Socialization allows us to include our dogs in more trips and fun activities. This increases time spent with our dogs and creates a deeper bond that is based on shared experiences.
• Socialization allows us to integrate our dogs more fully into our daily lives. In this way we get to enjoy more of our dog’s company and vice versa.
• Socialization creates a more balanced dog that can do well with other caretakers when we are away on emergencies or vacations.
• Socialization allows our dogs to live a more stress free and happy life. A confident dog who is not afraid new things will be able to experience more and enjoy his regular routine without the constant stress of threats and fears.

Why Is Dog Socialization a Good Thing?

Dog Socialization – How?

1. Slow and steady wins the race.

Some people think that dog socialization, like speed dating, is all about cramming as many new experiences as possible in the shortest amount of time.

However, if we go too fast we may undermine our dog’s self-confidence rather than build it. Conversely, being overly protective may result in our dog being under-socialized.

Therefore, we must strike a good balance between the two and go at a pace that our dog is comfortable with. Not too fast that he will be overwhelmed but not so slow that he becomes afraid of new experiences.

With dog socialization, we want to go at a pace that our dog is comfortable with.

2. Stay Positive.

When socializing my dogs, I try to set them up for success.

When socializing my dogs, I try to set them up for success. I only introduce them to situations where I am confident they can handle, and I try to make social training exercises as controlled as possible.

For example, during dog-play, I keep groups small and make sure there are many play breaks. This ensures that the dogs do not get over-excited and lose control of themselves. I also pick friendly dogs with similar play styles.

All this helps my dog associate other dogs with positive experiences and teaches him to stay in control even when he is excited.

However, we may not always be able to control our dog’s environment. Mistakes will happen. When things start to turn negative, it is important to have a plan-B. When plan-B fails, I try to have a plan-C, D, and E in my back-pocket.

If I cannot achieve a fully positive experience, I try to create a neutral experience. If the situation has turned negative, I cut our losses as soon as possible, and go home to rest and recuperate.

Enclosed dog parks have become popular recently because they are seen as the solution for preventing dog-to-dog aggression. However, if not properly managed, a young dog may end up learning bad habits from the other dogs at the park instead. He may even get involved in skirmishes or fights.

Enclosed dog parks have many dogs together in a relatively small amount of space. There is little to no control in terms of a dog’s age, energy level, and temperament. As a result, dog parks can be chaotic and unpredictable.

During dog-play, I keep groups small and make sure there are many play breaks.

3. Keep the lines of communication open.

Each and every dog is an individual with his own quirks and preferences. Some dogs are social butterflies, some dogs are naturally calm, and some dogs are more anxious and unsure of themselves. Some dogs may cope well with meeting people, but become fearful when faced with loud or strange noises.

To successfully socialize our dogs, we must listen to them and tailor our training to suit their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Keep the lines of communication open.

Dogs communicate by using their entire bodies.

By observing us and smelling us, our dogs can tell a lot about our current mental and physical state.

People communicate with each other mostly through words and symbols (text). Dogs communicate by using their entire bodies. Dogs tell us what they are feeling by the way they hold and move their tails, by the position of their ears, by the shape of their bodies, by the tension on their faces, and sometimes by their growls, howls, and barks.

We also convey a lot of information through our own body language. By observing us and smelling us, our dogs can tell a lot about our current mental and physical state. However, because we are so dependent on words and symbols, we usually do not develop our skills at reading body language.

A big part of socializing our dogs involves learning their language. How else will we know when to push, when to stop, and when to give comfort?

My dog bit a child’s face out of nowhere.

To us, it may seem like the bite comes out of nowhere, but that is almost never the case. Dogs tell us, and tell us, and tell us; but we do not hear. Ultimately, they feel they must take matters into their own paws.

My dogs listen to me very closely. When I am sad, they give me licks and their silent but solid support. I am not as good at reading their feelings, but I try my best to observe my dogs and listen to what they are saying.

Dogs have learned to read and understand us, the least we can do is try to understand them in return.

Dogs have learned to read and understand us, the least we can do is try to understand them in return.

Dog Socialization Process

Socializing a dog, especially a fearful dog can sometimes be a slow, frustrating, and challenging process. Often, two steps forward is followed by one or even two steps back.

We will make mistakes, our dog will make mistakes, and it may seem like things will never get better.

My Shiba Inu Sephy was a very difficult dog to socialize and handle. He is still very particular about meeting and greeting other dogs, and he sometimes still loses control when under stress. However, things are definitely much better today than they were when we first got him. He is a lot calmer, he tries to keep control, and he stops himself from biting on people even though it is his instinct to do so.

Dog socialization is not a competition for the best dog parent award. It is however, a good way to improve the quality of life for our dogs, for ourselves, and to strengthen our bond with our most loyal and furry companion.

Dog socialization is a good way to improve the quality of life for our dogs, for ourselves, and to strengthen our bond with our most loyal and furry companion.

Shiba Sephy is particular about his food, how and when he is touched, how he is held, stepping on puddles and wet mats, and of course …

he has his own ideas on how other dogs should or should not behave in his royal Shiba presence.

Here are some things I have noticed about Shiba Sephy when it comes to meeting dogs.

You’re not the boss of me

You're not the boss of me!

Shibas are rebels and do not like having a boss – human or canine. They may sometimes decide to follow certain requests from their human companions but only when there is cheese on the line.

When it comes to other dogs, they do not usually get along with dominant personalities – and this includes other Shibas!

• Shibas are not submissive and will not surrender even to a larger dog.
• Shibas like to play rough and wrestle.
• Shibas will bully other dogs if they can get away with it.

As a result, socializing your Shiba to other dogs can often be a challenge.

Size *does* matter

Shiba Sephy defeated by puppy Siberian Shania.

Shiba Sephy gets along much better with larger, playful dogs, who also like to play rough. I never let him play with smaller adult dogs because he will very quickly overwhelm them.

Puppies seem more tolerant, are more submissive, and usually like to wrestle, so Sephy has fun playing with smaller puppies.

To the right, my little Siberian puppy is showing Sephy who is boss!

If you are thinking of getting a second dog, make sure to get one who will be a good playmate with your first dog.

The “Human” factor

While socializing your Shiba, you must also deal with other dog owners, and many people are uncomfortable with the rough and tumble style of Shibas. During play, a Shiba can appear quite fierce, showing lots of teeth and making Shiba war-cries.

It is best to keep your Shiba away from fearful people and their dogs as they will likely project bad energy that may trigger extreme behavior in their dog and possibly even in yours. Do not socialize your Shiba with unbalanced dogs and unbalanced owners, as they may teach/cause your Shiba to engage in bad interaction habits including fear aggression and mouthing on people.

Just as it is important to screen your children’s friends, it is important to screen your Shiba’s friends.

Shiba Sephy is very sensitive to my emotions and to the emotions of the people around him. He quickly picks up on fear, frustration, anger, or excitement, and gets even more crazy.

While meeting other dogs, stay calm and do not put undue tension on the leash.

During play, a Shiba can appear quite fierce, showing lots of teeth and vocalizing.

Personal space

Shiba says - My Space!

Shibas do not generally like having dogs come unannounced into their space.

Many other guard breeds, such as German Shepherds, feel the same way.

If your Shiba has this preference, you should protect him from strange dogs. Tell other dog owners not to come too near because your Shiba is wary of new dogs. Suzanne Clothier describes this issue very well in her article "He just wants to say hi".

My Shiba is reactive to other dogs so I am very careful during dog-to-dog greetings. He is always supervised when he is with other dogs, and he is not allowed to bully or hump. He also does not enjoy new dogs sniffing his butt without permission, so I will body block dogs from going into his buttockal region.

For reactive dogs, it is best to introduce them slowly to other dogs and have one-on-one play dates. One-on-one play sessions are easier to supervise and there is less excitement and uncontrolled behavior.

Fun one-on-one play session with Kai.

On-leash vs. off-leash

A Shiba may display different behaviors when he is meeting dogs on-leash or off-leash.

The leash can sometimes create fear (Shiba can’t run away) and barrier frustration (Shiba can’t get to the other dog). As a result, a Shiba may show more aggression when he is on-leash compared to when he is off-leash. Nevertheless, it is useful to teach a Shiba polite greetings whether he is on or off-leash.

If your Shiba is only aggressive on-leash, then you can use off-leash time as a reward for good on-leash behavior. If you are unsure of your Shiba, first start desensitizing him to dogs from a distance and slowly work your way towards a greeting.

It is also possible to use a muzzle, but that may cause the same fear and barrier issues as the leash. Shiba Sephy does not like the muzzle and shuts down when he has a muzzle on. Another possibility is to let the dogs meet from across a fence, but this can also cause barrier frustration.

Desensitization from a distance has worked best on Shiba Sephy.

I am King whether on-leash or off-leash.

Spaying and neutering

Spaying or neutering can also help with the dog-to-dog socialization process.

Un-neutered males may posture more when in the company of other dogs. This can lead to dominance displays, which may escalate into dog aggression. Female dogs that are in heat should always be separated from all male dogs, as she may trigger competition among the males and cause a dog fight.

Some owners may be reluctant to spay or neuter their dogs because they are afraid that the process may change their dogs’ personality. According to the Humane Society of the United States,

A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

This article by the Dog Owner’s Guide also has useful information on spay and neuter surgery.

Socialize your Shiba slowly

Start socializing your Shiba by walking him on-leash in your own neighborhood. See how Shiba reacts to calm dogs, fenced reactive dogs that he can’t see, and then fenced reactive dogs that he can see.

Desensitize him to each of these situations slowly so that he does not practice any aggressive behaviors.

Remember to maintain calm energy when meeting other dogs. If you are tense, your Shiba will pick up on that energy, and get tense and reactive as well.

Once Shiba is calm around the neighborhood, you may want to take him to a nearby SPCA and desensitize him there. At the SPCA there are usually fewer dogs around than in a dog park, and SPCA dogs are usually handled by trainers or trained volunteers. There is less danger of things getting out of control at the SPCA.

Taking a dog obedience class is also a good way to socialize your Shiba and have him focus on you even when there are other dogs around. A class is also a good way to meet friends that you can later invite for play dates.

Socialize your Shiba slowly.

Options for dog-to-dog socialization

1. Dog Playgroups

Fun play session.

Dog playgroups are usually organized by training facilities or dog daycare facilities. The advantage of a playgroup compared to an enclosed dog park is that these sessions are supervised, and owners are usually very conscientious about cleaning up after their dog, and making sure that their dog is behaving properly.

Dogs in these playgroups tend to be more balanced because they are more socialized compared to the average neighborhood dog.

The disadvantage is playgroups usually only occur weekly or monthly, and at a specific time; whereas a dog park is open at all times.

2. Dog Daycare

Help! Help! I'm being harassed!

While Shibas may be aloof and independent, they generally like being with their humans. At a daycare center a Shiba gets to enjoy dog and human company all day long. This will help to socialize Shiba and increase his confidence when facing new people and dogs.

Make sure to thoroughly check out the daycare facilities and their staff before enrolling your Shiba. Ensure that the dog playgroups are not too large and are well supervised, otherwise fights may occur or your Shiba may get harassed by the other dogs.

Here is more on what to look out for in a daycare center.

3. Enclosed dog parks

Shibas really need to have off-leash time to do their Shiba running and get rid of excess energy. If you do not have a backyard, an enclosed dog park may be a good place for your Shiba to run free.

On-leash walks alone (3 hours daily), were insufficient to drain my active Shiba. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find a good dog park with responsible dog owners. Unless you find a good dog park, your Shiba may get into fights, get injured, or pick up bad behaviors from the other dogs at the park.

4. Group Dog Walking

Group dog walks may be a good way to socialize your Shiba if he is uncomfortable being in a large group of dogs. Dog walks usually have a maximum of about 6 dogs per walk and is a less stressful social environment for a Shiba.

Walks are a lot more structured, well supervised, and conducted in an interesting environment (e.g. an outdoor park). This means that Shiba has other things to focus on, and need not obsess on dog-play the entire time. Finally it is good training for Shiba to feel comfortable about walking with a pack of other dogs.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a good dog walker who can handle a Shiba without resorting to forceful aversive techniques. Here is an article from the San Francisco SPCA on choosing a good dog walker. If you cannot find a good walker, it is best to stick to the dog playgroups and daycare.

Shiba has other things to focus on, and he need not obsess on the other dogs the entire time.

Socializing a Shiba Inu to other dogs

If your Shiba is showing aggressive behaviors, do not push him too quickly in the socialization process.

Socialization is now a popular buzzword in dog training, but do not force your Shiba into becoming a social butterfly if he is not comfortable being one.

It is important to teach your Shiba good manners when greeting people and other dogs, but do not force him to interact or play if he prefers not to.

Do not force your Shiba into becoming a social butterfly if he is not comfortable being one.