Am I going about this the right way.. opinions please

Hi everyone, just looking for a bit of advice from you guys on you methods for socializing your dogs/ pups. Recently I have had a few dog walkers comment on how I should be letting Harley off lead to socializing more and run around with dogs more and one women commented the other day saying " why have you put him on the lead my dog is fine and those dogs in particular need to socialize more than any other dog" and I didn't really know how to take it =/ Harley is fine with dogs I don't think I've heard him even growl at one yet but to be safe I lead him because he jumps up on dogs and sometimes is to boisterous for older dogs.  I though I've always done things right by letting him approach a dog on the lead to start and let him sniff then i let him off if they are running around playing is this the right thing to do? Hate that I am questioning myself but just want to make sure I am doing things right as this is my first puppy.

sorry forgot to add he is well socialised with dogs as hes been to puppy classes since 12 weeks but just wanted to check that by me putting him on  lead him with unfamiliar dogs approaching am i creating negative associations with dogs for him to become aggressive. Although he gets heaps of cheese and sausage when hes played nice or sniffed a dog nice xx

Socialization is very important for staffies, but as is preventing negative experiences. I think you're doing the right thing putting him on a lead when you see another dog - you can then talk to the owner and ask them if their dog is interested in playing with yours - and explain that he can be quite boisterous. Dogs don't have to play with every dog they meet to be well socialized, especially if it's going to be a bad match and one of the dogs doesn't enjoy the interaction. I hate it when random people let their dogs run up to mine, shouting "he's friendly!" So irresponsible!

i dont see anything wrong with the way youre doing it
better to play it safe than to risk a fight
youre being very responsible
x kath

Thank you for the reassurance Rachel, I also find so many people are irresponsible if I see an on lead dog I always lead Harley its just common sense to me.

The people telling you you are doing it wrong are the same people that let their dogs run riot and let their dog approach an onlead dog shouting "it's okay, he's friendly"... ignore them. You're doing exactly what you should be doing to ensure your dog grows into a well balanced, sociable dog

I think you're doing the right thing too. If you think about it, a lot of dogs are worse on lead than off, so if you're teaching Harley to be happy with other dogs around him while he's on the lead you're setting him up well for the future in that respect. The only thing I'd add as a general comment is to keep leads slack wherever possible. Tension on leads causes tension in dogs. Sounds like you're doing just fine though, Beth.

are you saying that harley is ALWAYS on the lead? there is nothing wrong doing the introduction to a new dog on the lead so you have more control on the situation but its very important to give him off lead time and socialization in staffies (and every dog really) is very important as some off them develop DA. peppa could be very pushy/rude as a wee puppy and the best thing happened to her was to be told off by older balanced dogs. off lead they learn the best how to behave with other dogs the key here is to try and pick the good dogs while avoiding others. and with time you will build mutual trust between you.

Hi thanks for the replies guys regarding your comment Peppa he has been off lead  since 12 weeks and generally has good recall and with his ball he can ignore any dog but if i see a dog in the distance I call him back and put him on the extendable lead so he has his freedom but I can control how he meets others then if hes running around fine with the other dog I take him of the lead  just felt worried that I was possibly making him less social as other dog walkers were commenting x

I think you are doing the right thing. Always best to be safe

From your last comment it sounds like you are doing it perfectly! It is nice when they get to have off lead play and a good run around, but not every dog will be up for that. By calling him back and putting him on until you know the other dog is friendly and off lead play is ok, you are just being a responsible owner

Beth you are doing great just don't ignore the "experts"

Well I must admit fellow walkers gave me similar advice about letting my pup of the lead when she was about 5 months,it can be a bit daunting in the park as she goes up to every dog big and small occasionally getting told of but learning lessons everyday.She is now 10 months old and has made so many friends everyone knows her by name in the park and several people have commented what a good advert she is for her breed it's still early days and things can change she's a long way from adulthood but she is an absolute pleasure to walk