"Don't worry, they're friendly!" Owning a social dog (and what to do when you don't...)

The famous phrase that every dog owner has heard at least once while clinging onto the lead for dear life..."Don't worry, they're friendly!"

That's great! But mine doesn't know that.

Let's talk about social dogs, not-so-social dogs and how to keep everyone safe and sane when the "friendly" ones come barging.

Social doesn't always mean polite.

Having a social dog is wonderful and something we guide a lot of owners to achieve through training and early socialisation. They enjoy other dogs, they're playful and they're generally no harm but this doesn't always come with etiquette and manners. in fact, social dogs can look reactive too and behave as such. Barking, lunging, whining- sometimes its just excitement and frustration bubbling over like a lemonade bottle that's been shook up. But it is still a problem and if you have a social dog, you know it is.

Why?

-Frustration is not just a single episode thing. It leaks into other everyday encounters and experiences

-It makes walks in busy places HARD

-Other dogs and their owners often don't appreciate these interactions

What can help then?

Impulse control games tailored to your dog! Teaching that patience, no matter how brief, will pay off.

Lead manners - loose lead walking in general is a LIFE SAVER. Then you can add in distractions gradually leading up to other dogs

LAT training - helping your dog to disengage and focus on you before getting their reward

Recall practice - this one is a big one. Most social dogs are let off lead and this is one of the biggest problems we have to deal with as behaviourists. Keep your dog on a long line and practice recall training against EVERYTHING. We can help with this.

The blunt truth...

Not every dog is social. And even if they are, there are some days, just like we have, that they don't want to interact. Let alone be barrelled over. We have shy or nervous dogs, dogs recovering from surgeries or illness, older dogs, defensive dogs, genetically predisposed breeds that are just not socialites. Being understanding means keeping your friendly pup friendly but not putting them into situations that could end badly; for everyone involved.

What if your dog isn't social?

Lets flip this. You're on a nice walk, minding your business, keeping your manageable distance, maybe you've got some reactivity to deal with - BOOM - an adorable yet fizzy dog is right up in your business.

But what can you do?

-Be direct. You are allowed to call you. "Call your dog back please! Not friendly!" Not always effective and often met with a horrendous recall attempt and verbal abuse.

-Step between where possible. Body block the approaching dog. It can often help to have a solid "sit stay" with your own dog while you play Security against the other dog.

-Scare the dog. It's not the dogs fault, it's failed management and training but sometimes a loud "NOPE!" hands in the air or clap can create enough distance.

It's not rude. You have to advocate for your own dog. This goes for the social ones and the not-so-social ones.

The Bottom Line.

We love social dogs. We love watching them play freely, communicate and interact. But we also love those that aren't social (or that struggle to be...) We are here for dogs of all natures and it is our goal to educate everyone to help one another. We are in it for the dogs after all?

If you need help with your social dog and building up a solid recall (and some manners along the way)

or if your dog needs some help with confidence building (and some manners themselves!) we are here for you. Drop us a message via the Contact Us form and we will book in a free call.

-Laura & Rachel x