By Sean O'SheaNot every dog likes, feels comfortable, or enjoys the company of unfamiliar dogs. And not every dog likes, feels comfortable, or enjoys the company of unfamiliar people. It's easy for us to have expectations and beliefs about how dogs should be, what they should enjoy, and what should make them happy. But when we don't honestly take into consideration (and honor) our dogs actual individual personalities, demeanor, limitations, and preferences, we do our dogs a massive disservice, and we put them at risk for possibly getting into serious trouble.I get many questions from folks and see many clients who have a vision of what their dog should like and dislike, and what a dog needs to do to be fulfilled. Oftentimes this vision is at odds with what their dog actually enjoys or feels comfortable with.The dog who is uncomfortable and insecure with other dogs having to endure another day at the dog park, and often getting into scraps or all out fights because of it. The dog who is uncomfortable and unsure around people having to be "social" when guests or over or a party is happening - being tense, growling, snapping, or worse. The dog on a walk who is shy and insecure having people come up excitedly to pet and engage with him while his eyes are wide with fear and his body tense and ready for fight or flight.These are super common situations that many dogs find themselves in. Often it's because people feel their dog should like other dogs or people, that they need this interaction or "socialization" time, and sometimes just because people don't know better. But our job as our dog's leader and guardian is to protect and advocate for them. To understand and prioritize what's best for them rather than what's best for us and our wishes or beliefs. We need to be honest with ourselves about our individual dog, what his limitations are and what helps or harms.There no shame in saying my dog doesn't like other dogs, or that he's not safe playing with dogs he doesn't trust. There no shame in putting your dog away in his crate when you have guests over if your dog is terribly uncomfortable with that situation. There's no shame in saying no to folks who want to pet your dog on walks if your dog doesn't enjoy the interaction, especially if he's tense or possibly dangerous. In fact there's not only no shame, but putting your dog's comfort and safety first (and other dogs and people's as well) is actually your primary job and responsibility.Don't let others pressure you to compromise your responsibility or let them question your decisions. If you know your dog and you know what's best for him, than do it, and don't let others influence you. Social pressure, especially when it comes to our dogs is a heavy one. Stand firm, and challenge yourself to be assertive in the face of pressure. (It's good practice for life in general!)Of course we want to always be improving our dogs and their ability to cope with their world and to thrive in it, but we also need to temper that desire with reality. Be sure you're being realistic and fair to your dog. Don't put him in situations that overly pressure him, make him terribly uncomfortable, and possibly put him at risk for making a bad choice. Tune into your dog, be honest, and understand his limitations and honor them. And most of all, give you and your dog permission to always do what's best for you both, regardless of what mythical doggie stories suggest, or what others request.Your dog is an individual, be sure to treat him that way.______________CONNECT WITH US ON Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube for more training insights, tips, our free weekly Q&A Saturday, and community interaction!Our groundbreaking do-it-yourself E-Collar training video/PDF training guide Learn to Train The Good Dog Way: E-Collar Training is now available for order! Click HERE to order your copy!

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