Socialize me!
– March 8, 2017 Toby –
When I was a puppy, I remember going to my friend Sandy’s house. She is older and was very patient with me. I liked to play and rough house a little and she put up with it. We even got to hang on the couch, which was unusual since Johnnie wouldn’t let me hang on the couch until I was one year old. Then things changed a bit.
Now Sandy’s place was fun, mainly because when we got there food was cooking and I love the smell of food. In fact, I love most smells. The stinkier the better and there is always the possibility that something will drop on the floor. Now with two of us, the one closest gets the prize.
I didn’t understand why we went to Sandy’s house, but Johnnie said it was so I would get exposed to other dogs and learn how to behave around them. I’m not sure it worked too well as I am alpha and only like the girls. Human or canine, they smell so good. Now my friend, Pixie can be a little snappy, but the rest of them are always fun, unless there area snacks involved, then be careful as snapping and aggression can occur. Don’t get between me and my pepperoni.
It is important that we learn about other dogs so that when we meet, we can get along. When the leash is tight though, aggression can be sparked where we would play if humans weren’t pulling us closer. Give us a break and let us check each other out. Even a little snapping is just us letting each other know where we stand. Humans will never get it but we do.
