Companion compatibility in dogs - friend or foe?

What does conspecific compatibility mean?

Companion compatibility describes a dog's ability to get along with other dogs, avoid or socially resolve conflicts and communicate appropriately in canine interactions. It is not just about "being able to play" but the entire social repertoire that a dog displays when interacting with other dogs - from greeting to conflict avoidance.

We - Lui & Paulina - are often asked whether a dog is "compatible". But this is not a black and white issue. A dog doesn't have to like everyone else to be socially competent. Just like us humans, dogs choose their social contacts carefully - and that's perfectly fine. What's more important is how they interact with others, not whether they like everyone.

Why is compatibility with conspecifics so individual?

Many factors influence how a dog interacts with other dogs. The most important are

• Early socialisation: Dogs that have had positive experiences with other dogs as puppies are often more confident.

• Experiences in adulthood: Traumatic experiences (e.g. bullying at the dog park) can lead to mistrust.

• Genetics & breed characteristics: Some breeds are more reserved or territorial, others more sociable.

• Health & hormone status: Pain or hormonal changes can strongly influence behaviour.

A dog that reacts to other dogs - be it with insecurity, rejection or jumping behaviour - is not automatically "incompatible". It is always worth taking a closer look.

What does "compatibility" mean in practice?

A friendly dog is not one that plays with everyone. It's the one who can read others, respects boundaries, avoids conflicts or de-escalates them. Some dogs show this by actively ignoring others, others by showing friendly interest, others again by sniffing politely and moving on.

A dog that barks at others, jumps up or hangs on the Leash often does not need "more socialisation", but more safety, more management and better communication. This is exactly where we at Vitomalia come in.

Our approach at Vitomalia

We do not work with forced contact or "just let him do it" strategies. Instead, we focus on controlled encounters, distance work, clear body language and building up positive experiences. The aim is not to turn the dog into a "dog lover", but to make him feel safe and react predictably - even when other dogs appear.

Practical tips from our everyday lives:

• Avoid uncontrolled dog runs if your dog is unsure.

• Build up distance before a reaction occurs.

• Use rituals such as sit & reward when making visual contact with dogs.

• Work with privacy screens, quieter paths and safe retreats.

• Search for targeted social walks with trained trainers.

Our conclusion

Companion compatibility is neither an innate talent nor a compulsory programme. It is a combination of experience, leadership and instinct. Not every dog has to like everyone else - but every dog should be given the chance to develop social security.

Because trust is not built through coercion, but through understanding. And that always starts with an honest look at your own dog.