The better dogs are at meeting and interacting with other dogs, the safer they become in society, and the more fulfilling lives they can lead. Unfortunately, when a dog struggles with socialization, the common solution is to isolate them from other dogs entirely, rather than working to improve their skills. This approach leaves their socialization abilities stagnant, making them more challenging for shelters/rescues to adopt out and the public to care for. In the Nose-to-Nose: Strategies for Introducing Socially-Challenged Dogs to Other Dogs & Playgroups workshop, we offer an alternative approach. Instead of merely limiting a dog's social experiences, we focus on finding the potential for growth and improvement. By carefully and thoughtfully setting up introductions with other dogs, we can discover the ceiling of their socialization abilities. During this workshop, we will delve into methods that allow us to make behavior predictions, enabling us to plan introductions with precision and consideration. We will emphasize the importance of adjusting our approach based on each dog's unique needs, creating an environment where we can help them overcome past experiences or inherent tendencies that may have hindered their social skills. While many dog behaviors are seen as adaptable, a dog's ability to interact with others is often viewed as fixed—they are labeled as "social," "selective," or "aggressive." These labels are typically based on reported information and observed behavior, but they are too frequently treated as innate and unchangeable. Join us in this workshop as we challenge these preconceptions and explore innovative strategies to transform dog-dog interactions. Together, we will empower dogs to reach their full potential, enhance their adoptability, and enable them to lead happier, more socially integrated lives. Let's unlock the door to a brighter future for our canine companions.

Sponsor:South Austin Dog Center
Speaker(s):Steve DeBono

Contact: Steve DeBono
 Email: steve@debonodogs.com
 Phone: 512-436-3647
 Web: http://www.adifferentkindofdog.com/