Socialization is the key to developing a well-rounded dog. It is critical in training dogs for therapy dog work. Socialization doesn’t just happen. The handler must continually create situations where his or her dog will meet and greet new people – and dogs – of all ages. Socialization doesn’t stop once a puppy has hit a year old. Or, when a dog has become certified as a therapy dog. Socialization is on-going.
Once again, I bring up our recently certified Bright Spot Therapy Dog Rowan. I have known Rowan since he was eight weeks old. I recently wrote a post on all the training and socialization his teammate Diane did with him prior to getting him certified. Now, I bring Rowan up again to illustrate my point about making socialization an ongoing priority.
Last weekend, Diane took Rowan to the Great Northeast Poodle Party /Reunion held at Crabapple Downs Kennels in Colebrook, NH. Arlene Mills, the owner of the kennel, is Rowan’s breeder. She holds this extravaganza event for her poodles and their companions each year (this was the 13th Party/Reunion). The event provides socialization of all types for both dogs and their people.
Diane tells me that there were about 80 people and 80 poodles at the three day event. They came from all over New England, New Jersey , and Canada. The youngest poodle was 5 months old and the oldest 16 years. Diane described the scene as follows:
Arlene Mills has a large number of fenced acres on top of what is fondly called Poodle Mountain. The fenced area includes fields, woods, and two large ponds that are ideal for the poodles who love to swim. After passing through the gate almost every poodle was off leash. They were able to meet, greet, and check each other out on their own terms. Some of the mature poodles were happy to mingle and hang out near their owners. Rowan and his 5 
month old buddy, Finlay, quickly made friends with two other young, energetic poodles named Zephyr, 6 months, and Sabrina, 7 months. These four raced around, wrestled , and ran in and out of the water for hours, only occasionally taking a rest break near their owners. Rowan was in seventh heaven, since he loves other dogs and wants to play with every one he meets. Every now and then we took a break to go for a short hike around the pond. The poodles were happy to leave the crowd and accompany us. Saturday activities included a grooming workshop and an agility demonstration, followed by the chance for any poodle to try the obstacles. Imagine 50-60 people and poodles in a dining hall for dinner Friday and Saturday nights! No problem. Some poodles sat by their owners, others cruised the aisles, and then there were the totally tired members of the Puppy Pack who curled up under the table for a snooze. The highlight of Sunday activities was the costume contest. Rowan and Finlay surprisingly kept their Scotch/Irish costumes on for nearly 15 minutes. The event concluded Sunday afternoon with the Blessing of the Poodles at the outdoor shrine in Colebrook.
Diane tells me that Rowan and his buddy Finlay slept all the way home to western Massachusetts. The weekend provided a wonderful opportunity for socialization, for the dogs to thoroughly enjoy being dogs, and for their owners to share poodle stories. A tired, contented dog is a well-exercised, well-socialized dog. Diane looks forward to returning to Poodle Mountain next year. Until then, she will work on other special activities to provide socialization for her young, active Rowan. Thank you, Diane, for providing these great photos of the Poodle Party.