09/30/2024
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IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR DOGS TO “VISIT” DOGS IN OTHER HOMES
A frequent “complaint” I get from owners in why they want to seek out training is because their dog displays aggression when another dog visits their home or when they take their dog to visit in someone else’s home.
Guys, this is not normal for dogs.
Can we give up the idea of dogs visiting “dog friends” at other houses as a necessity? You’re taking an animal - a predator - and bringing it to another predator’s territory. Dogs are not human. Wild canids don’t visit other territories for an evening of appetizers and cocktails. That’s a human thing.
Yes, there are dogs who truly enjoy the company of others and are sociable and non territorial. Those dogs can accept visiting dogs or go to other dogs’ homes without issue. If your dog truly enjoys these activities, then by all means continue to enrich their lives! But know that this is the minority, and not “normal” behavior that should be expected of all dogs.
It tends to be a problem when the dog hits social maturity, when a honeymoon phase ends after rehoming, or when the owner expects the new dog to be ok with this because their last dog “loved it.”
If your dog doesn’t accept visiting dogs inside your home or doesn’t like going to other people’s houses, this is not a problem on your dog’s end. Your dog is normal. It’s a problem on your end in your realistic vs unrealistic expectations.
