Humanizing our dogs and asking them to share and play with non pack members?

[Pepper311]

Another dog park thing. I have been going to the dog park a lot lately. I always watch my dog and other dogs. I watch for trouble by dog body language. If I see any sign of problems we go.

I have 3 dogs my little ones goes to the dog park to learn I train him there to focus on me. I reward good behavior because he is not a social dog. I never push him to love dogs or expect him to. I only take him to the little dog side and only if there are very few dogs. Since going he has gotten better and less fearful of strangers when out.

My other dog is an old pit bull he gets nothing out of the dog park. so I don't take him. He does not want to play he could care less about other dogs. He is well socialize and trained. He is good with other dogs and people. But has no want to run and play with others dogs so why go.

My pup loves to meet new dogs she loves to play she loves the action. So I take her to dog parks. She also is very good with others dogs I want to keep it that way. She knows well how to avoid problems. She was raised by a pack of 15 other GSD at a rescue. There are a few regulars at the park she is getting to know. It's fun for us. But not all dogs are dog park dogs and people need to except that.

People need to be more aware or what dogs are saying to each other at the park. Too many people brings dogs to the park and can't read dog body language. You can tell when a fight will break out before it happens if you watch.

[Tiffseagles]

Originally Posted by JulieBays

Do our dogs need other dogs in their lives to be happy and well rounded companions? I hope this question is clearer than my others because I am an idiot most of the time.

Otis wasn't around many dogs as a pup. To this day, he is fine being around other off leash dogs as long as the other dogs leave him alone. He is not reactive on leash to neutral dogs but may be reactive to some dogs that are first reactive to him. I don't think his reactivity has anything to do with him not having played with other dogs as a pup but more because he will not just lie down and take it if another dog starts something.

At the same time, this is a dog that was just introduced to a new puppy and has accepted her as part of the 'pack' and loves playing with her. He would still rather play with a human family member and will forever choose a known dog (like the new puppy) or person or toy to play with over a strange dog.

He goes a lot of places: hikes, fishing, long walks, weight pull events, etc. and never needs to meet another dog. He seems pretty darn happy to me!

I am not one that believes that a dog that attacks or kills another animal/dog is a 'bad' dog. I think they are just acting like animals. I've known quite a few dogs euthanized for dog aggression that could have lived happy, long lives never coming in contact with another dog again.

The short answer to my post is 'No, they do not need dog friends to be happy.'