Betty needs some doggy friends

[lynyona]

cant believe betty will be a year old next week she needs to socialise with dogs more. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who as a dog when we go out walking we very rarely meet other dogs and when we do she s either sheepish with them or pulls towards them . We don't really have anywhere specific were dogs are walked near us someone suggested she d benefit from dog classes but again nothing in our area as she doesn't like the car journey. We have a couple of pet service places which do doggy day care dog walking single walks or group walks but I don't know if she d benefit from either of those or not . Being a staffy cross She would love to run around chasing balls and stuff but she's not to good with her recall which we are working on . Would one to one training maybe benefit her I just don't know any suggestions .I think I maybe ought to walk her more often an for longer only goes out in the morning for a maximum of maybe 40 minutes but do play in the garden when weather permitting

 

[JudyN]

Why do you think she needs to socialise with other dogs more? Jasper is mostly fine with other dogs and, once in a blue moon will play chase with one, but he'd be quite happy if we never saw a dog ever again. Does she have a specific problem when she does see other dogs? You say she's either sheepish or pulls towards them but neither is necessarily a problem unless she's being forced to interact or get closer than she wants to, or causes problems when she pulls towards them.

 

[lynyona]

Why do you think she needs to socialise with other dogs more? Jasper is mostly fine with other dogs and, once in a blue moon will play chase with one, but he'd be quite happy if we never saw a dog ever again. Does she have a specific problem when she does see other dogs? You say she's either sheepish or pulls towards them but neither is necessarily a problem unless she's being forced to interact or get closer than she wants to, or causes problems when she pulls towards them.

Maybe I am going along to much with the popular beliefs of others your dog must socialize with other dogs your dog must do this and must do that and in all honesty I don't know why I am with her I have always had dogs and this was never a problem before the dog in my profile picture we had him from 8 weeks until he was nearly 16.Yes he did eat human food ,cooked bones and he stole a large bar of chocolate and ate it without any problem (not that I ever gave any of my dogs chocolate)and all the things that aren't good for dogs now and the only time he ever went to the vets was when I had to have him put to sleep so why am I doubting my doggy ownership now I have no idea she's an healthy weight and she s well looked after

 

[Caro Perry]

Have you looked on Facebook for local dog walking groups? There is one around me which is very popular. There are formal event walks but also plenty of “ Anyone free this morning to come walking with me” type posts.

 

[JoanneF]

I'm with Judy on this. We hear so much about the importance of socialisation but it really doesn't mean your dog has to meet and greet others. If you were a person who preferred your own company, social events would be stressful and not enjoyable. Similarly, you don't meet and greet every stranger in the supermarket . Socialisation should be about puppies being introduced to sights and sounds during their development, including some people and some dogs where appropriate, but not encouraging them to become social butterflies. If you want to walk with others, or if you think she would enjoy it, these are totally valid reasons for doing it - but don't feel pressurised into thinking it's necessary.

 

[lynyona]

I'm with Judy on this. We hear so much about the importance of socialisation but it really doesn't mean your dog has to meet and greet others. If you were a person who preferred your own company, social events would be stressful and not enjoyable. Similarly, you don't meet and greet every stranger in the supermarket . Socialisation should be about puppies being introduced to sights and sounds during their development, including some people and some dogs where appropriate, but not encouraging them to become social butterflies. If you want to walk with others, or if you think she would enjoy it, these are totally valid reasons for doing it - but don't feel pressurised into thinking it's necessary.

Thank you .. what you are saying remind me of a conversation me an a friend had she has a disabled daughter who is quite happy to stay at home yet the powers that be are telling her "you must get her out there " but as she said no one tells her that! because she is normal she has choices and she can choose to stay in or go out so why shouldn't her daughter. Also dog training is a big thing yes don't have an unruly dog but none of my dogs had ever been trained they just learnt things themselves. I think I will just stick to what I am doing extend her walks a bit she s happy enough or seems to be

 

[lynyona]

This is Miss

Betty a week away from her 1st birthday

 

[JudyN]

Oh she's lovely - Staffs (and crosses) are great dogs. On the whole, they're much more into people than into other dogs.

 

[lynyona]

Oh she's lovely - Staffs (and crosses) are great dogs. On the whole, they're much more into people than into other dogs.

She has grown so fast only seems five minutes since we got her she is definitely a people dog

 

[Yveren1]

She is beautiful- I have been worrying about this too. I feel reassured. Kenza is a staffy cross too. She got to meet her brother again the other day. They were so excited