There’s a common misconception among dog owners that a well-socialised dog should greet every dog they come across. However, socialisation is not about saying hello to every dog, but rather about learning to navigate the world with confidence and ease. In fact, for many dogs, not engaging with every dog they see is healthier and helps them feel more secure.

Selective Socialisation: Quality Over Quantity

Just like humans, dogs don’t need to be friends with everyone to be well-socialised. Healthy dog socialisation is about quality interactions, not quantity. Dogs, particularly those who are well-balanced, often have a small circle of familiar dogs they enjoy spending time with. Outside of that, they can simply coexist with others without the need to engage constantly.

For instance, think about your own social life. You probably don’t feel the need to strike up a conversation with every person you meet on the street. Instead, you choose your interactions based on familiarity, comfort, and mutual interests. It’s the same for dogs.

The Ethology of Dogs: Lessons from Indian Street Dogs

To understand why not every dog needs to say hello, we can look at the behaviour of street dogs in India. These dogs live in loose, informal packs but don’t often interact with dogs outside of their immediate group. This isn’t because they’re unfriendly or aggressive, but because unnecessary interactions can cause stress or conflict. Instead, they focus on their own social group, creating a balanced and stable environment.

Dogs have evolved to form strong bonds with their own pack rather than seeking out endless new relationships. In fact, dogs that feel pressure to greet every dog they meet can become overwhelmed and anxious, leading to behavioural problems down the line.

Mixing with the Right Dogs

When it comes to socialising your dog, the focus should be on creating positive experiences with well-matched dogs. Dogs that are appropriately matched in temperament and play style are more likely to have productive, enjoyable interactions. This is where a good trainer or knowledgeable owner can step in to create a healthy social circle for their dog.

On the other hand, forcing your dog to greet every dog they encounter can lead to frustration and negative experiences. Not every dog wants to interact, and not every dog has the right energy or temperament for your dog’s needs. Teaching your dog that it’s okay to walk past other dogs without saying hello can actually improve their confidence and focus.

Building Confidence and Focus

One of the key benefits of selective socialisation is that it helps build your dog’s confidence and focus on you. Instead of getting distracted by every dog in the park, a dog that understands they don’t need to greet everyone can better focus on their training and your cues. This is especially important in situations where distractions are high, and you need your dog to stay calm and composed.

By teaching your dog to calmly coexist with other dogs, you’re fostering a more balanced, well-rounded companion. Socialisation is about setting your dog up for success in a world full of distractions, not about making them a social butterfly at every opportunity.

Conclusion: Sociable Doesn’t Mean Saying Hello to Everyone

In short, your dog doesn’t need to greet every dog to be sociable. Socialisation is about learning to interact with the world in a way that’s calm, confident, and positive. By focusing on quality interactions and building your dog’s confidence, you’re helping them become a well-adjusted, happy member of your family.

So, the next time someone suggests that your dog needs to say hello to every dog they meet, remember that true socialisation is about balance, not numbers. Give your dog the opportunity to thrive by creating a social environment that suits their needs, and watch them flourish.