Dog Socialization

by Elena Gonzalez
(Pasadena, MD)

What do you do for dog socialization? Do you take your pit bull friend to the dog park?

It seems no matter what happens at our local dog park, Storm could be 50 feet away and some people still think "It's because there's a pit here. . . ".

My vet says to avoid the situation entirely. Would like to hear from other others as to what they do to socialize their best buds.

Gale's Reply:

Hi Elena. Great question.

I tend to agree with your vet. It's sad, but true that if a fight breaks out, the pit bull will be blamed no matter which dog is the aggressor.

Add to that the fact that public dog parks attract owners with varying levels of skill in managing their own dogs. Some people seem to think they can just turn their dog loose to do whatever while they chat with other owners and pay no attention to their dog.

I've also seen owners who watched their dog repeatedly try to dominate another dog and do nothing about it even though it was apparent things were starting to heat up.

Alternative dog socialization activities:

1. Taking your dog with you on errands and out in public whenever it's practical is a good practice. This doesn't have the element of exercise and play. But, it does help with socialization.

2. Arrange supervised play sessions with friends, neighbors, etc and their dogs. It's easier to manage this kind of situation when you know the other people and their dogs.

3. Take your dog thru an obedience class with other dogs.

4. Attend dog events with your pit bull. Even if you don't participate, just having your dog go with you as a spectator is another socialization opportunity.

That's what comes to mind off-hand. Hopefully others will have more to add.

For more information on obedience training, visit our Pit Bull Training page.

For help with behavioral problems, check out our Dog Behavior Training page.