Have you socialized your dog lately?

It’s a question dog owners are hearing more and more, especially in the post-COVID world. And more often than not, the answer is “no.” The truth is, dog socialization is widely misunderstood.

Do you understand what socialization means? Many people don’t. Many kennel owners don’t.

I’ll admit there was a time when I didn’t either. Just ask Tango. We brought him to the kennel every day as a puppy. Unfortunately for him, it was overstimulating. It was a great life lesson. Now, he’ll come sometimes, but more often not—and that’s okay. He doesn’t need the stress. When exposure stacks without enough recovery, dogs can tip into chronic over-arousal, a pattern explored in redlining in dogs and behavioural overload.

Socialization Isn’t a Free-for-All

Socialization isn’t about letting a dozen puppies into a room and closing the door. All that does is invite a Hunger Games–style competition of which puppy can stay on top. Socialization requires active participation on your part—or your pet professional’s. Puppy class isn’t a giant pile of puppies.

Socialization is the act of introducing your puppy to new things, places, people, and other dogs in a controlled environment so you can teach them to react appropriately—on leash or off. It’s about the feedback we give them, including corrections when needed.

Why Does Socialization Require Correction?

There will be times when your puppy reacts inappropriately to other dogs. In the wild, the pack would correct them by nipping or barking to show what isn’t acceptable.

That means when your puppy can’t walk by another dog without barking or lunging, they need feedback and correction. Don’t worry—it isn’t their fault. They don’t know any better until we teach them. This is one reason many dogs benefit from structured exposure rather than chaotic group play. Here is an article on why you should limit pay group sizes.

We aren’t just correcting our puppies, though. How would you feel if strangers rushed up to you at every opportunity and mauled you with their hands or licked your face? It’s “petting.” They’re cute. Sure—but that doesn’t mean strangers should be trying to kiss your puppy. That goes for both two- and four-legged strangers.

I don’t like when people get too close to me. I can’t blame my puppy if she isn’t happy with it either. What I can do is help her deal with it.

Your goal is a bulletproof dog—the quiet, well-behaved canine that doesn’t react to strange noises or people.

You don’t want to see signs of fear or aggression:

• Pulling at the leash
• Lunging
• Barking
• Lip curling
• Growling

So How Do We Help Them?

The first step is discipline.

Can your daycare facility support this? Sure—but should they be responsible for it? No. They can support you, but leaving them to do the foundational work is often too late. Much of this can and should be done before you take your puppy out into the world.

What do I mean? Name recall and focus training. With both, you can help your puppy control their urges.

Loud noises don’t have to spook them if they’re focused on you.
Other dogs barking at them don’t have to trigger them if they know how to stay calm.

Your puppy doesn’t have to obsess over the cat either. Teaching her to leave the cat alone when he’s eating is a great way to instill discipline. Focus. Sit. Stay. It doesn’t matter what term you use—your goal is to keep your dog from tearing after the cat by teaching her to leave him alone, not by tethering her to a pole so she can’t do it. It’s about teaching her not to want to do it.

Is it going to be easy? No. But then again, owning a dog isn’t easy. It takes work.

So, What Can You Do to Help With Dog Socialization?

Plan: Is it too late to start a plan? Never—so stop putting it off until tomorrow. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll give your puppy what they’re desperately asking for: structure and discipline.

Teach: Teach your puppy basic commands: their name, come, focus, leash training. Without the foundations, they don’t have the language to understand what isn’t acceptable.

Exposure: When your puppy is ready, slowly introduce new people, sounds, other dogs, and environments. Start at a distance so she doesn’t feel threatened, then move closer as she succeeds.

Correct: When you find her reacting negatively, you need to correct and redirect. Show her that a negative reaction is unacceptable—or that a calm, positive reaction is desirable. Corrections can take many forms, but your plan should also include positive reinforcement: praise or a treat when she does the right thing.

Inform: There are two parties you’ll need to inform. First: your daycare provider. Show them what terms your puppy responds to. I teach my puppies “off” if they jump, but you may use a different term. If you want your puppy properly socialized with other dogs, your daycare needs to know your language and expectations.

Second: the people who let their dogs run amok on streets or trails. If an off-leash dog is approaching, you need to advocate for your dog. Just because their dogs are okay off leash doesn’t mean yours is. If you’re worried about uncontrolled encounters, choose trails where you can maintain more control. Not sure where to find an off-leash park that limits numbers? Municipal bylaws and park rules vary by region, and many Ontario municipalities publish leash and off-leash guidelines that help owners choose appropriate spaces. Ontario dog owner’s liability act.

The Foundations of Dog Socialization

There are a lot of dogs who missed early exposure during COVID. Pet professionals can observe issues that arise, but if your puppy doesn’t have the foundations, no one can “fix” anything quickly. Daycare can be an amazing way to expand your puppy’s horizons—but you need to prepare your puppy (and your pet care professionals) to make it easier.

Is your daycare professional aware of the difference between proper socialization and simply throwing dogs into a room and hoping it turns out for the best? You have every right to ask. Involve them in your plan. Ask how they can help you—and how you can help them.

Trust is the number one value we sell. We need to trust that your puppy is as described, and you need to trust that we can support you in raising a healthy, well-socialized dog.