Socializing dogs is important to their well-being, but, while it is a good idea to let your dog have other doggie friends, it is not essential to their development.

Many think because dogs derive from wolves, they need a “pack” or need to become accustomed to being around other dogs. While wolves do travel in packs, theirs is a more individualistic relationship; they work together toward similar goals, much like people in the workplace. Dogs’ social interactions, therefore, are not dependent on their group, but on their rearing as pups.

So if you raise your puppy to be friendly and nonviolent, as most people do, they’ll tend to act that way indiscriminately, not just toward humans, but toward other dogs as well. Through the domestication of dogs, humans have seemingly engrained dogs to be friendly and easy-going to all species. They act with a certain pup-like curiosity throughout their lives and will attempt to establish a positive relationship, unless approached with hostility, with any species.

Let’s face it. We’ve all seen the cute pictures of a dog cuddling with a kitten or a kitten with a bird perched on its shoulder. This is a natural response for our pets and there is no need to worry about training pets to act this way. In fact, dogs can often become anxious, uncomfortable, or scared when placed in an unfamiliar situation, such as being let loose in a large dog park to make other canine friends.

Relationships with other dogs can be valuable in the lives our canine companions, but don’t feel forced to make it happen. Focus on creating positive experiences for your dog, not just with other dogs but throughout their entire lives.