Dog Differences in Social Settings

Our 11 year old foster Doberman,
Stormy, catching a frisbee, as Boris and
Ollie and Bella look on.

The owners that I see every year, and continue a relationship are very responsible about their dogs.   Usually, many of these dogs are entertained and exercised by the owners and not a daycare.   So owners get very curious about how their dogs are doing in a social setting like daycare or boarding (we don't have kennels, they are largely free in our house and yard under supervision).   Some of these very responsible and loving owners are concerned that their dog may not be "measuring up" to either our expectations or what other dogs do socially.

I want to tell my customers, not to worry no dog is the same as another nor do we expect them to be.  It is actually the many differences in dogs that makes them interesting.   Some dogs take immediately to playing with the other dogs.  Other dogs need to scope out the scene for a couple of days.   Assuming they have some training behind them (or I am allowed to get them on the right path) their differences in temperaments and socialization are no big deal here.  

Personally, I am just as fond of the shy ones, as I am of the gregarious ones.  I also enjoy the behaviorally challenged ones and the "bomb proof" ones.   To me, dogs are individuals and I love their differences.  Their unique personalities make my business and job so much more interesting and rich.   These differences have also given me much insight into pack management.   In this way, all the dogs can enjoy their stay here.

It really touches me when owners express their concern and curiosity.   This tells me how much they care about their dogs' well being and happiness.   These are the kind of customers we want.   I also feel bad for the unnecessary guilt some owners have because they may think their dog is expected to be the most social, most athletic, or best trained dog here.   Some of these owners, especially if they may have a socially awkward dog, express guilt for not giving them the best life, when in fact they ARE giving them the best life.   Why is it that the most responsible and loving dog owner customers are the only ones with any (completely unnecessary) guilt?  

Some even feel bad that their dog is a puppy and therefore does puppy things LOL!   In fact, I love the opportunity to get a newly minted puppy here!   That is a lot of fun as well.

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