socializing - Page 1

I expose my dogs to most things from a distance at first.  Then when your ready to go in close you must be very aware and keep a good grip on your dog.  You never know whats gonna happen with other animals.  Having help from another person is a good idea. Sometimes the other animal doesnt want any part of this socializing..

With people its much easier, most people enjoy helping out as long as you explain what your doing.

Traffic is a little scary, another good time to be ready for anything.  And always have a good grip on the situation.

I go to parks and shopping malls, farms and horse barns, we walk downtown on city streets, and I walk my dogs along the highway, this ones freaky because the traffic is moving at 60 miles an hour.  At home we are always making noise, power tools, loud cars, chain saws and alot of music.  We do alot of shooting of guns, its just something we enjoy.  This is best done at a distance because of hearing damage.  We wear hearing protection but the dogs do not have this option and must be protected by keeping them at a safe distance.

Kids are a must, mine are grown now so we borrow the nieghbors kids, they love the dogs and they wear each other out usually playing fetch.   My biggest concern with the smaller kids is that the dogs sometimes want to jump up on them.  I wait for this and take advantage of the moment to correct the dog.  You still have to be careful about kids tho and always be right there with them.

My dogs love going places and seeing new things, meeting new people and getting in the car.   If I say lets go for a ride,  I'd swear I could here them saying YEEH HAAHH !!  

I enjoy socializing as much as they do I'm sure, its an excuse to show off my dogs.  

On a second note, you mentioned thunder.  Most animals that live outside fear thunder because even if the lightening is far away they can feel the static electricity and want to find shelter from it.   I imagine its instinct even to an animal that has never experienced lightening.  I think some are bothered by it more than others. I dont know how you would cure this fear other than being there with the animal and showing calm and support, thats a tough one.