Re: RE: [pyrnet] chat:Pet Fair~~an unusal happening

["Tracy" <espinay@bigpond.com>]

<<I agree with you on what you said, "some dogs really ..".  My Buddy
happens to be a pyr who will not be one of those "tail waggers", unless he
really knows you and likes you. >>  Tery

I wouldn't consider any of my Pyrs 'tail waggers' - more they are reserved
and relaxed in public, do not start or shy at strange objects or events and
will not go crazy everytime they see another dog or human (waiting for my
permission to 'talk' should I feel it appropriate). What  I want to achieve
personally with socialisation is for the dogs to be comfortable and look to
me for direction in new and strange situations and not to be uptight and
crazy everytime a new dog or person comes along or approaches them.
Socialisation is also about me learning their limits.  I know that Halley,
for instance, is more comfortable with direct approaches by men than Milou
is (who is more protective of me in general) and that Milou is happier with
puppies and other small animals crawling all over than Halley is. Lisa-Jane
will stress when crowded and prefers to approach than be approached
(although she has improved immensely in the 2 years since she came as a
rescue).  I also know to watch carefully for approaching dogs with my
Dalmatian as she will not tolerate 'rudeness' on their part and to keep her
under control and focussed on me when in a crowd of dogs (or walk around the
crowd) to avoid possible incidents.  I know their limits and remain relaxed
but alert to not putting them in situations where they would be 'pushed'.
It is also about knowing how to get them out of a situation if necessary (eg
by practicing 'calling them out' during playtime etc).  What I am getting at
I guess is that socialisation won't necessarily create perfect little tail
wagging socialites.  What it can do however (if handled appropriately) is
help those 'surprises' not to become major incidents and make being out and
about more pleasant and relaxed for both the dog AND you.

Tracy Bassett
Murrumbateman, Australia
espinay@bigpond.com