How to tell if your dog is well socialized?

A well-socialized adult dog behaves by being curious and a little cautious in new situations, but not overwhelmed, scared, or aggressive. Exposure to a variety of people, dogs, situations, sounds, smells, and surfaces is recommended to prevent any issues later in life. This experience made me think about socialization and how this was an ideal reaction to a new situation. She was not afraid and didn’t bark or growl at him. She was able to focus on me when I asked. She was curious and a little cautious, but she was not overwhelmed, scared, or aggressive.

Dogs learn how to interpret the world around them between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. This is when they learn that other dogs can be friends and new people aren’t dangerous. Some react fearfully, others turn their fear into aggression. Signs of a poorly socialized dog are behaviors usually associated with “bad” dogs, but unsocialized dogs aren’t bad, they’re reacting to the world around them in the only way they’ve learned how. Fearful behavior when around strangers and/or other dogs, behaviors might include flattened ears, lip licking, yawning, cowering, avoiding eye contact, and tail tucked between the legs. Aggressive behavior when around strangers and/or other dogs, behaviors might include intent staring, holding ears erect, excessive barking, snarling, growling, and snapping. Dog backs up or raises his hackles when another person or dog approaches. Fearful or aggressive behavior when on walks, even if no other people or dogs are around, overexcitement around other people and dogs.

A well-socialized dog exhibits a calm, self-assured demeanor and exercises a degree of choice when it comes to interacting with others. They are capable of reading and responding to social cues effectively. A well-socialized dog is confident and capable of choosing whether to engage with others. When they decide to interact, they follow social etiquette, taking precautions to minimize risks and calm the other party. They exhibit composure and excellent judgment in determining the other individual's state before approaching. A socially adept dog readily adapts to new environments and situations, maintaining a sense of ease and contentment. These dogs are curious, self-fulfilled, and possess their own desires and agendas. They make choices and follow their preferences, putting their decisions into practice.

So far every saturday he goes to this puppy class in a park and plays with a few puppies and adult dogs and also meets new people. The sundays are to go to some place where dogs are allowed, we usually go to a store or a cafeteria where I just order and go sit outside. On the weekdays when I’m able to we go to any park that’s near our house in the car, I just make sure that there aren’t strays in the area and there he sniff everything, watch people in bikes or scooters, makes holes and things that dogs do. Two weeks ago we started some obedience training outside so he can spot the neighbors and cars, kids etc and not only go out for his potty train. I’m also planning a trip to the beach this weekend so he can meet the ocean. He is starting to listen more when we go outside but it’s a challenge.

Dogs that are comfortable meeting and being around a variety of people of all ages, other dogs, and even other types of pets – especially cats – are considered well socialized. Being relaxed and receptive to new people and pets isn’t something that comes naturally to every dog, any more than it does to every person. Some dogs are extroverts and others are timid. Some dogs are naturally comfortable with people, but take a bit more time getting used to another dog or cat. If you socialize your dog in a variety of situations, especially those situations in which you often find yourself, you’ll know how he is going to react and feel confident that your dog is going to be comfortable and well behaved in any situation. Be part of the social experience and pay attention to your dog’s reactions. Stay with your pet, observe his comfort level, and assess whether he’s happy, nervous, anxious, fearful, or crabby. If he’s having a positive reaction, provide lots of praise and encouragement. If he’s not as comfortable, make introductions to these situations brief, still provide encouragement when he engages positively and remove him from the situation if he exhibits a negative or fearful behavior.