Socialisation - when does it end?

Your thoughts please.

I posted up elsewhere regarding some trainers I have heard about and if there were any others in my area; I said I would prefer trainers with group sessions available as Louie is still dog orientated and he does get distracted at class if new dogs come in and he hasn't "said hello" as it would be. (I've got a social butterfly it would seem )

Anyway two posters have picked up on this and suggested that the time for socialisation should end..

I don't think I should be the "be all and end all" in Louie's life but I'm a little confused. Whilst Louie is a handful if he hasn't met these dogs I think I have managed it pretty well and I know that in the outside world it is more of a situational training issue..

But I don't agree with socialising should end.. it's not as if I let him go up to every dog - I have worked hard on his recall from other dogs and it still is hit and miss but we're getting there..

What are your thoughts - not on my dog but on the statement.

Does socialisation ever end? Should I be the be all and end all of Louie's life - he's a companion, not my slave afterall, I've always felt proud that I had an dog that was great with every dog he met even as he has grown up into his teens and adulthood.. I'm a bit confused by the statement actually, but these days it doesn't take much for that..

I don't think socialisation should ever end, if it's something the dog enjoys?

Copper and Ben are not "other dog" dogs, they aren't DA but just ignore any other dogs around them, much more people focused dogs, but Jet absolutely loves a wee game of chase me with other dogs, why would I deprive him of that? It's a great reward for training!

I trained recall with Jet by calling him back when he saw another dog, then as soon as he recalled let him away to play for a few minutes - this is what motivated him more than food treats or toys

But surely what you are looking for is NOT socialisation?!

You want to classically condition your dog that the presence of other dogs predicts SUPER DUPER stuff with you?

You want to train focus and engagement.

If you go to some clubs you will find several dogs on the floor working with their owners IGNORING whatever else is going on.

Is that not what you are looking for?

But these are generally competition classes.

As for socialisation, well treat it like a muscle that needs exercising, some more than others.

My dogs are not "socialised" per se any more.

Thats why I prefer a group class.. but each to their own.

as regards the statement you ask about, when are where?

THat is why you NEED a group class otherwise you cannot train focus and engagement with no distractions (IF you have it already WITHOUT).

So your dog does not need "socialisation" does he?

He needs to be trained effectively and efficiently in a group environment to ignore "noise"

focus and engagement and socialising with other dogs are not mutually exclusive, but you cannot have both simultaneously.

As for being "the be all and end all" of your dog's life again, unless your dog never socialises with other dogs, other people, other animals, or never gets feedback from the environment that is never going to arise is it?

I think we may have wires crossed. I didn't want a group to socialise him with but because he does get to socialise either before or after training.. I understand what you mean ..

what, so you mean you are asking is it ok for your dog just to meet others dogs?

in which case, of course

Ah dawn breaks...............................

imo socalisation never ends

But you should be teaching your dog that they can work with you around other dogs and they can say 'hello' when you say its OK to and they can play with other dogs if its OK too

I have been told that my dogs should NEVER be alowed to play with other dogs if I want to do agility with them
but I chose to ignore that
For my dogs working with me is the BEST fun, they wouldnt leave the ring to go and play with other dogs

I feel if they were never let play with other dogs then it would be like the forbidden toy, really exciting

also they are dogs, I feel they need time out to be able to talk and play with their own species

and no way could I keep up in a game of 'chase me' with Mia - so I am more than happy for Jet to keep her entertained with that (and she did entice Copper into a little chase, and Buster and Blue)