Rocky and Other Dogs...

[BigDog2191]

Socialization is something I missed with Rocky but only with dogs.

One of my fears has come true. I really didn't know anyone that I'm close enough with to get their pets to come over and play with Rocky or vice versa.

My dad works a lot so it was hard for me to take him to petsmart but when I finally did he was like... maybe 15 weeks.

And he barked angrily at every dog he saw.

The only socialization prior to that was fence fighting with my neighbors Schnauzer. But every time he did that, I would take him away from there.

Anyway, is there anyway I can get him to like other dogs? Or to get along with them?

[Babyblue5290]

Hmm...not real sure if he will ever like other dogs, but you can get him to ignore them. Instead of barking and getting upset at them you can make him just calmly pass by them.

You do this by slowly desensitizing him to them. I am bad at explaining so I'll let someone else do it. :rolleyes:

[tcreed]

Is he barking angrily? Or does he want to play? I take Dante to Petsmart, and he barks, but because he wants to go meet the dogs. When I take him by another dog (after asking the owner of course), he socializes and is happy.

[BigDog2191]

NO, he barks angrily.

It's one of those protective barks like when a repairman comes inside the house.

[mrose_s]

Emma helped me, buster is now getting better, a friends dog jumped in the back of the ute with him the other day and he just stood their and ignored her... so it should work, especially considering he is still young

[Renee750il]

DoggyDaddy, I tried a few searches and didn't turn up Emma's socialization advice, so why don't you e-mail her and get it from her. She may know exactly where she posted it or she may have just e-mailed it before.

[casablanca1]

The pet store scene is kind of a madhouse. If your dog isn't highly social (and some of it is just personality, not indoctrination) or just used to a lot of canine company, it can be overwhelming and unpleasant for him. My last dog hated Petsmart, but had a best buddy next door she used to run around with, and my current dog is the same way - tells strange dogs where to go and plays with her housemate. Take your pup to Petsmart and places with some dogs around (leashed dogs) and just let him get used to it without pushing him into being friendly. If he gets very upset, retreat a little and let him get used to it from a distance - from outside the store if neccessary. He's already keyed up, you want to get him to relax or he'll get used to being wild around other dogs and people.

[oriondw]

Hey its not too bad :) Im used to it. Although mine only doesnt medium-big males.

Other's he's ok with unless they bark/growl/pull at him.

[Babyblue5290]

I think you have to desensitize rocky to other dogs. This is how you do it:

Get some really salient food rewards (something that the dog NEVER gets & something that is REALLY special). Then, whenever the dog is in the presence of strange dogs, he gets this super special treat. Everytime he looks at another dog, give him a treat (no clicks at this time because you are not shaping a behaviour yet). Everytime another dog passes by, give him a treat. You are simply trying to make an association between the strange dogs and super special treats.

Dogs learn through association. What you are trying to do is to change the dogs 'perception' of the strange dogs. Instead of getting upset at the approach/presence of other dogs, the dog learns to anticipate good things. You want the dog to learn that, "When other dogs are around - good things happen TO ME!" A very important rule when you are doing this: Whatever the treat is that you are using, your can NEVER present it at any other time. It has to be associated exclusively with other dogs.

Once the dogs perception of other dogs has changed (ie: he is more focused on what he is going to get than he is on the other dogs; or he looks at them without "looking" [evil eye] at them), you can start to teach him some mannerly behaviours to perform in the presence of other dogs. For example, ask him to sit before you give him his special treat. Now you can C/T for compliance.

When you are embarking on the classical conditioning program, know where your dogs comfort level is with regards to proximity to other dogs. DON'T take him closer than this. Begin at a level where he is comfortable and shows no sign of aggression but can still see the other dog, and then go "a little bit" closer. Never put the dog in a situation where he will back pedal into a state of full blown aggression. This would be akin to putting a claustrophobic into a closet.

Does that make sense?
It takes a long time and a lot of work, but it does work. It's better if you can recruit someone to have their dog stand at a distance rocky is comfortable with and work like that. But if you know no one that has a dog and would be willing to help I would go to an area you know there will be dogs and keep rocky at a distance he is comfortable with from the dogs and work from their. Just be careful none of the dogs get's too close. If they walk toward you, then walk in the opposite direction.