Taking public transportation is an activity where our dogs can practice all the levels of socialization leading up to oppositional, so let’s look:
Primordial Socialization: When dogs take public transportation, it is preferred that they have a minimum relational rapport with their human handler.
Spatial Socialization: When dogs take public transportation, they are exposed to a unique environment that is noisy, crowded, with fast and loud moving objects.
Distal Socialization: When dogs take public transportation, they learn to ignore people and at times other animals at a distance.
Proximal Socialization: When dogs take public transportation, they learn to ignore people and at times other animals close by.
Interactional Socialization: When dogs take public transportation, they stand by while we interact with others and might also interact with others.
Oppositional Socialization: Fast moving trains and loud buses can feel invasive to dogs. People bumping into the dogs or walking near them can all feel uncomfortable.
Many cities around the world allow dogs on public transportation, often during certain hours when there is less traffic. We’re very lucky that the City of Toronto allows dogs on public transportation, including subways, buses, and streetcars.
Is taking your dog on public transportation an option for you? If yes, have you taken your dog on subways or trains? What is your experience like? Tell us in the comments!