Truly socialized dogs friendly and outgoing with everyone

Show me a seeing-eye dog, and I'll show you a dog that is 100 percent socialized. Friendly, outgoing, unflappable anytime, anywhere with anyone — these are the qualities that describe a truly socialized dog.

Unfortunately, more and more dog owners are taking their unsocialized dogs into social situations, demonstrating little regard for the safety of others. A 39-year-old Home Depot greeter in Ottawa came face-to-face with this trend last week when she leaned in to pet a customer's shih tzu and the dog bit off the tip of her nose. She was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.

Are people foolish to assume a dog in a public place is safe for displays of "public" affection?

Should dog owners keep their anti-social canines out of the public eye?

As an increasing number of businesses open their doors to our four-legged companions, dog owners everywhere should keep in mind that greater freedom means greater responsibility.

If your dog likes most people, if he doesn't like other dogs or certain dogs, or if he shows disdain for children, or men, or women, or redheads, or anyone with a beard or carrying an umbrella, then he is not fully socialized. Friendly and outgoing with everyone — that is the goal and the result of proper socialization.

Lack of socialization can result in a shy dog. Poor breeding, kenneling a dog too long and lack of individual attention are also factors that can create a shy pup. Shyness tends to manifest as fearfulness or timidity. Left unchecked, these qualities can fester and lead to fear-based aggression. At that point, you have a real problem on your hands.

Don't let it get to that point.

Socializing a dog takes time, energy and a little bit of creativity. It doesn't happen overnight, but the process is a lot of fun if you approach it with the right attitude.

Think of it as a journey of exposure. The objective is to expose your dog to as many people, animals, sights, sounds and environments as possible, in a positive and nonthreatening manner. It means walking your dog in your neighborhood and walking him beyond your neighborhood. It means strolling along quiet roads one day and hitting the hustle and bustle of a busy street the next. It means introducing him to family and friends at home, and sitting and watching strangers pass without incident out in the world.