
Different dogs require different degrees of social contact with their owners and others of their own kind. Some will be more independent and aloof than their owners’ wish, while others need plenty of attention in order to thrive. Dogs that actively seek out human company show signs of distress if they can’t get enough. Learning the ins and outs of dog interaction is vital for you and your dog’s lifestyle.
Check out Puppy Care: Handling and Interaction.
Dogs that have a low need for social contact may learn to tolerate their owners’ attention, but never seem to really enjoy it, so this desire must be recognized and accepted. For a person that requires an openly affectionate canine companion, this can be, understandably, disappointing, so it pays to research which breeds would be better suited.
Being social creatures, most dogs appreciate the company of their own kind on a regular basis to enact natural interaction. However, many of the “fighting” breeds simply don’t get on amicably with strange dogs, or indeed even people, so beware of this when taking them out for walks; for safety’s sake; such dogs should be muzzled when in public places, and in some countries this is in fact, a legal requirement.

If you have a dog that simply doesn’t get on with other dogs – and some don’t – then again extreme caution should be taken when they are exercised in public places.