10/30/2026
Socialization isn’t about letting our dogs “make friends” with every dog they see — it’s about teaching appropriate behavior and being neutral.
Allowing random, crazy greetings has zero benefits and often creates bad habits, frustration, or reactivity. The real skill is learning to advocate for our dogs so they can move through public spaces calmly and confidently.
Normalize saying “no, thank you” to unwanted interactions. Normalize minding our own business on walks. Normalize only allowing greetings with dogs who are neutral, calm, and appropriate.
Healthy socialization means structure, neutrality, and trust — not chaos.
