11/12/2025
What is a ‘sociable dog’? 🤔
A sociable dog is not one that will simply play with every dog they see; it is a dog that can be in the presence of other dogs in a calm way. A sociable dog is not always a ‘friendly’ dog either, it is one that chooses to not react when around other dogs, so long as the other dogs leave them alone.
Play is important of course, but more important is having a dog that is able to ‘just be around’ other dogs in a calm way, as some dogs are over-enthusiastic and some are reactive if other dogs rush-up.
We definitely should never ‘let them get on with it’. Just think about that; should we let a Great Dane rush up to play with a Chihuahua? Of course not, one overly-friendly paw from the Dane onto the Chihuahua’s back, and it’s likely to be game-over for the little fella…. 😬
So, in order to get a sociable dog, we may need to manage the environment for them to help them succeed in being calm around dogs in general; take time to allow them all to settle and relax, and don’t allow any non-consensual play or high-energy games to start with (and only then with dogs of a similar character).
More often than not, it’s the initial meeting that sparks confrontation, so watch the dog’s body language and manage them for their best possible outing.
Let us know if you would like some help with this.
