DOGS (/ˈɪntrə/) | intra species socialisation

 

• Removing the novelty from meeting and interacting with other dogs by daily and weekly exposure to a social setting. Desensitisation by progressive exposure facilitates calmer and more regulated interactions both at daycare, at home and out and about in the community

  • ​In so doing, the Handler (parent) becomes more "valuable" than other dogs, improving obedience, recall, lead walking, general reactivity and communication between dog and parent

• Improving social etiquette in learning how to be around and adapt to dogs of all;

  • ages​

  • sizes

  • energy and play styles

  • breeds, particularly those with irregular physicalities;

    • brachycephalic breeds whose flat and deep creased faces (pug, bulldog; boxer and so on)​ can resemble a growling or snarling expression even when at rest

    • ​spitz breeds whose erect pointed ears, curved tails that fall up and over their back and upright, stiff posture due to legs which do not bend at the hock (pomeranian, husky, akita and so on)​ are not as bouncy or loose as typical playful body language

• Learning to understand social cues from other dogs, when and with whom to interact and vice versa; learning to "self regulate"

• Self Handicapping; a play device defined as when 'a stronger, faster, more skilled dog self inhibits their speed, strength and even play style so that they can better match the abilities of their play partner'

• Benefitting from role models and mentors when spending prolonged periods around (typically older) dogs who display good manners, appropriate behaviour and obedience in group settings

• Acquiring real life skills that transcend play-time, creating dogs who are adaptable, resilient, confident and considerate in their interactions with others

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The science and psychology of play

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HUMANS (/ɪnˈtəː/) | inter species socialisation

• Knowing and growing to trust other humans both male & female outside of the family

• Becoming accustomed to all idiosyncrasies of appearance and character; beards, glasses, hats, loud voice, quiet nature, slow or quick pace and so on

• Gaining independence to represent their family in their absence, and to be true to their nature and character with non-family members consistent with who they are at home

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ENVIRONMENT | environmental socialisation

• Experiencing and becoming confident on a wide variety of textures underfoot (grass, stone, straw, tarmac, gravel, marble, rubber, astroturf and so on)

• Engaging the olfactory senses with a rich environment and scent centred activities that encourage dogs to navigate their surroundings by smell, catering to their innate desire to sniff. Sniffing for dogs is a natural stress alleviator, decompressor and "room reader", and is the primary scent through which they understand the world

• Enjoying toes to nose stimulation, engagement and immersion, returning to nature in a countryside settin

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