Quote:
Originally posted by lblax
no it would not benifit her she could even become more timid... even in play all animal to animal contact revolves around one thing and that is who is top dog..... your dog will benefit from you bonding and training and exposing to all types of situations.... |
I personally do not agree entirely with this.
Sure - most play is who can wrestle who, who can outrun who, who can tug the toy away from who.... But why is that wrong? As long as it's controlled and not allowed to escalate, it's just harmless fun.
Parker was shy with strange dogs (i.e. new dogs to him but dogs that I knew were okay) when he was little. I took him for a play session with my best friends pup that was a few months older. A good part of the play session was with Parker between my feet!
But as he gained confidence and realized that playing was A LOT more fun than hiding between my feet - he played! :D And he loved it!
In fact, Sully is now still Parkers best buddy. Sully is an intact male, 19 month old Irish Setter, Parker is a 15-month-old intact male. They LOVE each other. I couldn't possibly tire out Parker like Sully can - and Parker for Sully.
My personal belief is that one day, you'll need your dog to know how to behave around other dogs. If you're at a picnic or a family function - there is a chance that your dog will have to deal well with other dogs. Although they get the basics as pups with their littermates, those talents can become rusty. They're SO excited when they see another dog (because it never happens to them) they're overwhelming and impolite to the other dog.
We've all seen dogs run out of nowhere and pounce on other dogs. They think they're playing, the other dog wants to kill them for being so rude.... :p
If your dog will never have to be in close contact with another dog for its life - then sure - don't socialize with other dogs. But if you do want to be able to go on hikes with other dogs, go to shows, go to the park, attend charity dog walks, etc. - Please DO arrange play sessions with other dogs (that you know, in controlled situations) to keep their doggy manners sharp! :D
Parker has to deal with other dogs all the time: When we're on walks and meet friendly dogs/owners, at dog shows, going to dog shows with others in a group, obedience training, at my sisters house, on walks with my best friend, doggy picnics, charity events, pet events, etc. The last thing I need is a 100+ pound dog dragging me around or acting inappropriately because he has no idea of how to act around another dog! Because he IS well socialized with other dogs, I don't have to worry about him. He knows how to greet and how to acknowlege other dogs. Most of all, he knows that just because there are other dogs, it doesn't mean it's party time! Some times he gets to play and sometimes not. But he's comfortable with either situation. ;)
Things to watch for at the first play session are:
1) One puppy constantly running away - the other shouldn't be allowed to pester it. Let it come out on it's own time.
2) Don't coddle the hiding pup. They're not hurt and they don't need reassurance. They're perfectly safe! So let them recover on their own, gain their confidence and come back into the play session when they're ready.
3) Don't introduce high value items (i.e. food, pig’s ears, etc.)
4) Toys can be introduced that are new to both dogs - control the levels of play. If any acts of guarding turn up - remove the toys.
5) Keep an eye on them. Wrinkles around the eyes / top of head / excessive panting (not caused by playing) may be signs of stress. Some stress is okay - too much is not. If the pups look too stressed, just end the play session and try again another time.
And finally, take a camera! You'll get some great shots. :)