Dogs and the importance of “space”
Let's talk about *space*.
Space and territory are big news in the animal kingdom. Especially when it comes to the canine species. In wolf packs, if a lone wolf or another pack of wolves crosses another pack's territory- it can be fatal.
In this modern world, many of us are sharing the same spaces- and our dogs along with us; though many dogs haven't been equipped properly on how to do so. What happens then? Many of these dogs live in isolation since they don't know how to handle "the real world". Their lives consisting of nothing beyond the four walls of their home. If they're lucky, they may have a backyard to enjoy beyond this. No walks. No "life." Many may get rehomed or dropped off at a shelter with an unfair judgment and label attached to them. All because they weren't properly equipped and didn't understand social expectations.
Dogs don't come pre-programmed; and the ones who do come to us who've already had some life experiences, trauma, etc. can be worked with.
"Appropriate space sharing" (a subset of "socialization") is a skill we must develop in our dogs if we want them to be able to peacefully enjoy life alongside of us. Of course, every dog will come to us with their own set of characteristics, filters, fears and reservations, levels of confidence, etc. In order to *effectively* work with our dogs, we must know and understand thy dog.
Some dogs are introverts by nature; some are extroverts.
Some are overly confident, while others may fall on the more insecure side.
Some are a bit stronger in will and more dominant in nature, while others may fall on the softer side of the spectrum.
Some dogs are highly sensitive (which, in my experience, makes up the great majority of dogs with "behavioral issues"); others not so much.
Dogs are just as individual as people are, and it's so important we take this into consideration in all types of training- especially when we're trying to help them acclimate to, co-exist within, and navigate the various levels of space.
Now, navigating and sharing public and social space is one thing.
Personal and intimate space is another thing.
How would you respond to a complete stranger walking straight up to you, getting within an inch of your face and introducing themselves, then starting to touch you all over?
This is just as uncomfortable for many dogs as it is for people; yet, for some reason, we expect our dogs to tolerate this.
A "playful" dog does not mean a **socially skilled** and socially respectful dog (common misconception).
A dog rushing up to another dog (with any level of excitement - whether "happy" or with intensity) is not okay.
A person rushing up to another person (or dog) is not okay.
Anyone barging into another's personal and intimate space is not okay.
Not everyone deserves direct access into our personal and intimate space, and our dogs feel the same way. This is where advocacy comes into play. We've got to be their voice. It's up to us to advocate for them and their right to their personal and intimate space- relieving them of the pressure of having to advocate for themselves (which usually ends up becoming a false story that attaches to and follows them wherever they go).
Access into our personal and intimate space comes through the gateway of comfort, familiarity, trust, and relationship. Built over time and through consistent exposure. Relationships of any kind should never be forced.
The expectation in space sharing is to do so respectfully; much like teaching our children "appropriate manners" in public.
This. Is. Our. Social. Responsibility.
All dogs have the capability to share space, but all dogs don't have the *ability* to. This is why we "train". This is why we equip. This is why we develop.
If we want a dog who has the *ability* to navigate and comfortably share the various levels of space alongside us, a dog who feels safe, secure, and comfortable doing so- it's up to us to guide the way.
