Socialization is often a source of confusion for puppy and dog owners. Many hear the term and think it means having their puppy or dog interact with other dogs. That’s a part of the socialization process, but a minor one.
Socialization in dog behavior refers to a puppy or dog’s entire world. Sounds, movement, scents, environments, and noises affect our canine companions and can become a source of fear.
Every puppy needs socialization to avoid becoming a fearful dog. There are no exceptions, and no way around investing the time to carefully expose puppies to everything, beginning shortly after they arrive home.
Puppy socialization can be safely accomplished at any age by having them in a carrier, sling, or stroller. As long as their feet don’t touch the ground, and they don’t drink from communal water bowls or put their mouth on toys other dogs have played with, there’s no chance they’ll come into contact with communicable diseases outdoors, or indoors in well-ventilated environments.
Anxious, fearful, and reactive adult dogs often became that way due to a lack of, or inappropriate, socialization during puppyhood. While we can never fully overcome that behavior deficit, appropriate socialization is crucial in convincing adult dogs they’re safe and secure in their world. I highly recommend working with a canine behavior consultant for these pups. Dog training won’t help.
The following locations are good for socialization and all are dog-friendly. Perfect for safe socialization (carriers, slings, strollers) of puppies and for fearful, anxious, and reactive dogs who’re ready for moderate to high level distractions.
Any parking lot adjacent to parks and coffee shops is the best place to begin. In-car exposures are ideal for all puppies and dogs who aren’t ready for close proximity to people, dogs, unpredictable noise, traffic, etc., provided they’re comfortable in the vehicle.
Walking Locations for Socialization
Stoner Park – Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the perimeter sidewalk is great for socialization walks. Walk on the opposite side of the street from the park to gently expose puppies and dogs before they’re in close proximity to the busy park. When your pup is ready, there are picnic tables, benches, good shade, and lots of parking. Can be very busy weekdays after school lets out and weekend mornings.
Virginia Ave Park Farmers Market– This is a paved area between Pico Blvd and the Pico Library. There are foot paths on either side with steady foot traffic, but not much in this area. You’ll find benches next to the library and around the park, as well as shaded picnic tables. There’s a dedicated, free parking lot close by. The Pico Farmers Market happens Saturdays. The park is too busy for effective socialization at that time.
Santa Monica College – Lots of wide footpaths, steady foot traffic, but not a lot of dogs. Parking is easy on weekends in the campus parking garage. Late afternoon on weekdays and most of the time on weekends are quieter.
Third Street Promenade – Three city blocks of open, car-free space. Heavy foot traffic and a fair number of dogs after 10A. There are benches throughout, and dog-friendly outdoor restaurant seating. Plenty of parking in structures surrounding the Promenade. First 30 minutes are free, $2 covers first 3 hours.
UCLA campus – Parking is a challenge anywhere near campus on weekdays, unfortunately, but it’s a great place to walk for socialization purposes. Wide footpaths, steady foot traffic, very rare to encounter dogs.
UCLA Mathius Botanical Garden – Peaceful, dog-friendly oasis in the heart of Westwood. Free. Check website for hours.
Cheviot Hills Park – Large area surrounded by a golf course. Free parking, many walking paths, heavy foot traffic and dogs. Mornings are the least busy. There used to be an (unofficial) off-leash group in the afternoon. I don’t know if this still happens.
Veterans Barrington Park – There’s a large, busy dog park on the southwestern corner, but I don’t recommend any off-leash park for effective socialization. Instead, walk on the edge of the parking lot or in the open green spaces. Very little shade, plentiful, free parking.
Veterans Memorial Park, Culver City – Sizable park, steady foot traffic, abundant, free parking. Very busy after school and on weekends.
Mar Vista Rec Center – Busy athletic fields, good shade, room to walk. Lots of foot traffic, picnic tables, free parking.
Locations For Seated Socialization
Board House Coffee West LA – There’s a side patio that’s protected from Santa Monica Blvd, and out of the busy foot traffic in front. Dog friendly.
La La Land Kind Cafe Montana Ave – Very popular, very dog friendly coffee shop. Tables and benches along 15th St. The area at the back is removed from the sidewalk parade on Montana Ave.
Whole Foods Montana Ave – Directly across Montana from La La Land. There are several shaded tables along 15th (next to the parking lot) that are far enough from Montana Ave to be relatively calm, yet still in full view of the foot traffic. Saturday and Sunday mornings rescue groups have pets for adoption directly across 15th. Can be chaotic.
Hermanito – Mexican / Asian fusion spot known for its cocktail menu, in the heart of Sawtelle. They have a beautiful patio for los perros and dog-loving staff. Trendy, popular, highly rated.
Holmby Park – Beautiful, relaxed hidden gem near Westwood. Lots of secluded benches and a paved path around the perimeter for walking. This park is relatively uncrowded weekdays until 3P and weekends after 1P. Lots of free parking. One of the best socialization locations on the westside.
The Grove – Bustling promenade, easy parking, lots of seating choices and dog-friendly in common areas and some stores. It can be very crowded around lunch time and starting in late afternoon.
What are your favorite spots for socialization on the westside? If you have questions about socialization for your puppy or dog, please reach out.
©️2025 Dee Green SantaMonicaDogCoach.com
Dee Green has been a professional dog trainer and canine behavior consultant for more than 20 years. She specializes in building trust-based, cooperative relationships between guardians and puppies up to 18 months, and fearful, anxious, and reactive dogs of all ages.