Puppy socialization seems to be on the top of every dog owner’s mind lately. As people are staying home more and seeing friends less, their dogs can also lose out. Covid puppies are missing out on opportunities to play with other pups in group training classes. Training clients are worried that their pups are missing out on crucial socialization.

While it is important that dogs are able to socialize, especially during their puppy months, always respect the Number One Rule of dog socialization: Quality over Quantity. It’s essential that your puppy learns to feel safe and secure in its new world. This means that you need to be in control of all the interactions your puppy has with other dogs (and people) while it learns how the world works.

I strongly advise training clients against taking their dogs to the dog park, simply because you can’t control it. Some of the dogs there may be friendly and polite, but there’s always bound to be a dog who is too pushy, doesn’t respect other dogs’ boundaries and signals, and plays inappropriately. These negative interactions, even if they seem minor to us, can cause long-lasting trauma in your dog. If a puppy learns that his calming signals (such as looking away, licking his lips, or yawning) don’t work as another dog pushes through them, he might feel the need to defend himself with aggression, or he might become shut down and fearful.

It’s your job as the human to be your dog’s advocate. This means if your pup is playing with a friend’s dog and you notice that he seems a little uncomfortable, or the play is starting to get rough, it’s your job to interrupt the interaction.

In my dog socialization work, I’m constantly monitoring the dogs for any signs of discomfort or over-excitement. When I see these things I interrupt their play and help the dogs calm down before they can resume. It’s always a good idea to have the dogs on leashes when they’re playing - that way you can easily separate them if you need to.

Remember that dogs don’t always know best! Letting dogs work it out is not in their best interest, or ours in the long run. Advocating for your dog will build their trust in you and in the world around them, as they learn that their emotional state and signals will be respected.