Human Expectations for Dogs 20 expectations

What are some expectations we have of dogs?
We expect dogs to be:

•  Well-socialized: comfortable with all types of people, places, and things 
•  Comfortable with all types of handling by all types of people 
•  Friendly with all other dogs and all other animals 
• It should be fine too: 
•  Have anyone run toward a dog 
• Ride a bike past a dog 
• Throw a stick near a dog 
•  Have children playing – yelling, wrestling, play fighting – near a dog 
•  Leave a dog tied outside a store while you are shopping
• But, not all dogs can meet these expectations. Why not?
• •Shy dogs can become more comfortable in some situations, but they may not become comfortable in all types of situations.
• Some dogs are born genetically unstable.
• Shy dogs need our help to live in society. You can help these dogs to:
• Have more relaxed relationships with people
•  Become more comfortable with handling 
• Improve their social skills and manners Special homes can be found for most dogs who lack good social skills. You can help by: 
• Screening potential homes carefully to find the right match
• Counseling the adopters on management and training of their dog, so the dog will have a home for life
• Doing follow-up to create and maintain a relationship with the adopters

Remember: You can make a difference!