Sampson is a social dog. If you ask my husband, he’ll say we socialized him too well. The minute he spies dog or person, he’s a dog on a mission.
If it’s a dog, he barks, yips and lunges trying to get to the other dog.
If it’s a person, he roos at them and pulls towards them. If they pass him by without acknowledgement he’s slightly dejected, but he will try again the next time he sees them. He just doesn’t give up.
Take the woman up the road who always seemed to be out working in her yard as we passed by. After a couple of days of rooing at her, one day she spoke to him. Three days later she pet him.
That’s a win in Sampson’s book.
Of course there are some folks that are just dog people and it really takes little to no effort on Sampson’s part. Take last Tuesday. I took the day off to spend with Sampson while Delilah had her dental surgery.
Sampson wanted to head a certain way on our walk and I let him go. It was not typically a way I would take him because we would be walking along a busy road and there were sidewalks only part of the way. Still it wasn’t a busy part of the day, so I figured why not. I knew it was a bit of a longer walk than Sampson is used to, but I thought if we take our time we’ll do okay.
About 25 minutes into a 40 minute walk he saw her. She was crossing the street to put something in her mailbox, he roo, roo, roo’d and before you know it, Sampson was getting loved on and she and I were talking on the side of the road.
Ah, this is a nice break from our walk.
After a few minutes, Sampson got tired of waiting and pulled up a spot on the ground. He lay there patiently waiting, just enjoying the day.
Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?
We chatted for about 15 minutes, which was just long enough for Sampson to catch his breath enough to continue his walk.
Do you think Sampson is over socialized? Is that even possible?
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Sampson is perfect! I personally think he is performing a service by “teaching” others the joy of dogs. Just look at the lady that finally succumbed to his wonderful advances to be petted!
We had a dog with Sampsons personality that would go to the sidewalk in the front of our house to look both ways in hopes of seeing someone coming that wanted to pet her! She, like Sampson, would look so sad if no one was there to pet her. We always thought she just saw”hands” and not the actual person!
Sampson looks so happy and contented. Glad he is doing so well and able to enjoy his walks again.
Gus’ Mom
Pretty clever, Sampson!
No never over socialised just a chilled out dude and a clever boy. Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly
I don’t think it’s over socialised I just think some dogs like lots of love and other people. Mity will always wag his tail and try to great people and other dogs and is a bit dejected if they ignore him. But that’s just the way he is, and I love him for it!
He just knows what he wants and works to get it. I bet he knew that woman would be there and that is why he picked that route. 🙂
Over socialized? Nope. I think he’s a wonderful canine goodwill ambassador! (And brilliant that he worked a pleasant rest into his walk.)
I think it is fantastic that he is socialized as much as he is, makes for a much better dog.
I don’t believe a dog can ever be OVER-socialized. Under-socialized, yes; but not overdone. Sampson is just one very sweet boy who loves people and other dogs.
I’m a people dog, and I can’t get enough of people, but I’m not much for other dogs. Bailie, on the other paw wants to meet and great every human and dog she sees. There is a reason I have made her my official PR dog! Glad Sampson got out alone with you and had a great time. We all get alone time too and it is so special.
He sounds like a friendly sweetheart!
WE think Sampson is Super Social… and that is a COMPLIMENT.
I don’t think it’s possible to be over socialized. These guys are the same way. Sometimes I don’t want to be social however.
I definitely don’t think they can be over socialized! Our beagle Kobi was like that, and I loved it that he wanted to see everyone. I wish our other dogs were more social, but they all tend to be more shy.
In my mind a dog can never be too socialized. But then again I’m a dog person and absolutely love meeting new, friendly dogs. I love that he sat there patiently with that big perfect smile 🙂
You are being very patient Sampson. Isn’t it nice to relax and enjoy the smells
Snorts,
Lily & Edward
I’m pretty sure there’s no such thing as oversocialized. There’s also no such thing as spoiled, naughty, stubborn, or cuckoo. Um…. At least I hope not…
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Awe!! Sampson is so cute!! <3