Les:Greetings group,

My concerns about Nikki's
socialization with other dogs were laid
to rest, so to speak, this evening. We
got a visit from my ex tonight, she
brought along a 5 year old male
Pomeranian (sp?) that she has been
watching for a friend. Right away I
thought that I was going to have to keep
an eye on Nikki but, to my amazement,
they got along great. The Pom (can't
remember his name) was pretty calm and
quiet, just like Nikki normally is and
after the obligatory meet and sniff,
they were trotting around the house,
playing together. I was amazed :]
Nikki even shared her toys with him!
I was so happy and I made sure that
I praised both of them for playing so
nice. They played together for about a
half hour until they got tired, got a
drink (Nikki even let him drink from her
bowl) and then laid down on Nikki's
favorite rug together. The Pom only
barked a couple of times when it was
time to go (I think he didn't want to
leave) which freaked Nikki a little bit,
but she followed him right to the door
like sweethearts. It was so cute! I
was so happy with her so I laid down on
the floor and played (spoiled) with her
for a little while, which I normally do
every night anyway, but it felt more
like a bonding experience this time.
She was a complete opposite from the
way she behaves with Rosco when they
meet outside. Of course the Pom wasn't
jumping all around and all over her and
they were both in the house, off leash,
which I'm sure may have had some
influence on Nikki's behavior. I know
that dogs, like people, have different
personalities and I'm guessing that
Nikki might not care all that much for
Rosco's personality (and abundance of
energy) but does like the Pom's, which
is more suited to her own.

And she had no contact with other dogs (other than her mother and
littermates) until after she was 4 mos. old? Gee. Maybe some people
around here were WRONG about what the critical socialization period means.
Oh, but then, I forgot: you said that Nikki could form *friendships* with
other dogs, but that she'd never be truly *socialized*.

Sorry, Les. Despite your evidence to the contrary, your dog is still not
socialized.

Or maybe she just didn't like Roscoe's energy, which is what I said
originally.

Good goin', Les. And be very careful about following Leah's advice. It
looks to me that Nikki knows more about dogs than Leah does. Nikki may
have a reason for not liking Roscoe, having nothing to do with the
critical socialization period.

When my dog and I go walking I'll often get an invitation from another
dog's owner, "Oh, my dog is very friendly! Can't he come say hello?" And
if Fred wants to keep his distance, I let him because every time I've
forced the issue the other dog tried to attack Fred, and the dog's owner
would say something like, "I've never seen my dog *act* like this before!"
Maybe not, but Fred instinctively knew the other dog better than his
owner did.

I also get, "Keep your dog away! My dog hates other dogs!" And if Fred
wants to go up to other dog despite all protestations about the other
dog's aggressive nature, guess what I always hear? "Well, I'll be darned!
My dog is *never* friendly with other dogs!" But you see, Fred *knew*
that dog would be friendly.

How does he know? I have no idea. When it comes to choosing his friends,
Freddie is a lot smarter than I am, and I trust his instincts implicitly.


Still, meeting Roscoe inside your apartment *might* feel safer to Nikki.
And if they *do* play and have fun, well good! But if they don't, it
won't be because she's too old to be socialized. SHE'S ALREADY BEEN
SOCIALIZED TO OTHER DOGS BY BEING RAISED WITH HER MOTHER AND
LITTERMATES!!

(Sorry if I've stirred up the pot again, Les.)