Socializing

It is extremely important to socialize your dogs starting at an early age. It's the same with children. Dogs who meet new friends and learn how to fit in and play with others are well rounded and are generally very happy dogs. I made the mistake of over socializing and causing my dogs to "own" their daycare by bringing them daily. This is a hazard as well. It can such dominance issues and unwanted alpha behavior. We took new steps today in hopes to reopen our pack from it's confinement of 4. I want my dogs to be well rounded again and not stuck with the same four faces everyday. It is important to take each dog as a separate case as their needs may need to be met individually such as August or Kodak. 

Today was a big day for August. We did daycare for the first time in over a year! She did extremely well and with alpha role models in the room and structure she went back to her roots of making new friends. The dominance issues tend to come out when not corrected just like children. Sometimes they require discipline and guidance. She even made a few husky buddies and possibly a new boyfriend. :)

Dublin has many friends and will go into daycare more than her other siblings. Though she doesn't typically enjoy herself  as much as she does being with me up front, it's good to allow that socializing time with "stranger" dogs. 

After daycare she enjoyed spending time with her BEST friend Eva. Eva loves Dublin to pieces and Dubs loves the one on one time!

Nanook did daycare today too! He enjoyed the puppy pool and keeping his paws wet. Having him in their with Dublin at the same time helps to support their insecurities they may have about foreign pack play giving each other a known face. 

Even though Kodak isn't a "daycare" dog as he's gotten older he still enjoys his swim time with Sherry. He screams with excitement just by seeing her at work. What a fish I have! Some dogs are wonderful, gentle kind dogs but not all are meant to be socialize in a large group setting due to their personalities. He does wonderful in small controlled groups. We don't mind letting him swim all day long if he'd like.