My pup is about 4 months and I just try to get her used to dogs on our walks. She's a bit chicken, but I always ask the owners from a distance if their dog is friendly with other dogs. If so, I make Raika get close just so she'll get used to it. Usually within a couple minutes she's fine. Just keep trying. I don't think he's too old to do that. 4 months is pretty young still.
Puppy Socialization Window
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You won't be working on socialization after sixteen weeks, you'll be working on desensitization, IF he has problems, which I don't think he does. Barking is fine! let him bark, it's not necessarily a sign of fear or aggression, in fact alot of puppies initiate play with little barks and play growls.
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When we got Princess she was about 4 months old. Very shy and lacked in social skills. We took her with us EVERYWHERE. She went to work with us everyday so she'd always be around new faces and new situations. That shy little dog turned into one of the most social dogs you'd ever see. She loves everyone and thinks everyone comes to visit her. So it can be done at that age.
We are going thru the same kinda thing with our 7 1/2 month old Vizsla, Otis.
I have taken him to a trainer for desensitization. He warmed up to the training within 45 minutes and became very comfortable. We think he was whacked a time or two as he doesn't like to be pet on his back by a stranger. Funny, I could touch him everywhere from the first time I met him and that was just 1 1/2 months ago. I think that he knew I was going to be the great dog mom that he needed. When I got him he had no manners and not housebroke. He lived for the most part in a 6 x 6 kennel. So his socialization skills were lacking. We have made a lot of progress with commands and the potty issues. We will continue with trainer up until the family dog classes begin in september. Hopefully by then he will not be scared by strangers. Good Luck!!
I have taken him to a trainer for desensitization. He warmed up to the training within 45 minutes and became very comfortable. We think he was whacked a time or two as he doesn't like to be pet on his back by a stranger. Funny, I could touch him everywhere from the first time I met him and that was just 1 1/2 months ago. I think that he knew I was going to be the great dog mom that he needed. When I got him he had no manners and not housebroke. He lived for the most part in a 6 x 6 kennel. So his socialization skills were lacking. We have made a lot of progress with commands and the potty issues. We will continue with trainer up until the family dog classes begin in september. Hopefully by then he will not be scared by strangers. Good Luck!!
S
a puppy class would be wonderful (and essential) for your dog: you get he profesional help in terms of training and strategies, your dog gets experience with other dogs in a safe controlled environment, your dog learns to pay attention to you around distraction.
Of course it's ideal to socialize your pup early but that ship has sailed so work extra hard to give this pup a good start from here on in. I bet it'll be just fine if you do the work and put in the time now.
( I got my dog from a rescue at a year of age and EVERYTHING was new to him. We've worked very hard on obedience, manners and socialization and he's done great)
A book I found really helpful was " Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson . It realy helped me understand about this. If you want to check it out you can get it through amazon or dogwise.com. Good luck!
Of course it's ideal to socialize your pup early but that ship has sailed so work extra hard to give this pup a good start from here on in. I bet it'll be just fine if you do the work and put in the time now.
( I got my dog from a rescue at a year of age and EVERYTHING was new to him. We've worked very hard on obedience, manners and socialization and he's done great)
A book I found really helpful was " Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson . It realy helped me understand about this. If you want to check it out you can get it through amazon or dogwise.com. Good luck!
Gunnar my GSD pup is the same way. I believe he is attempting to initiate play with the other dog, although sometimes he puts his hackles up. A trainer I spoke with said that was most likely because he is so excited and not necessarily an aggressive thing. He has never attempted to attack or hurt another dog so I feel we are on the right track. He's just very vocal around other dogs. Good luck!
im on the same boat with yea, poe is in socilization classes but is still aggressif with dogs he has a dog playmate charlie a lab, who will soon grow into a big dog i am hoping this will help, he lunges at the dogs a nd barks, he loves small dogs and children(thank god) just some things need to be wroked out, hes about 16 weeks aswell so...we'll get through it together...lol