Puppy Socialization Window

[brandynq]

Hi,

I adopted my pup when he was 4 1/2 months old so according to what I've read, he's past the socialization window. I'm trying to socialize him but i'm afraid it's too late. Am I just out of luck or is there something I can do to make up for the lost time? Thanks.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

Try to play with it, Take it out for walks, Give it some love and it will come around!!

 

[Saje]

He sounds young enough to still be socialized. Does he not like other dogs? I don't really believe in the 'you can't teach old dogs new tricks' philosophy. Other's should have more helpful advice.

 

[brandynq]

He likes some dogs. But on more than one occasion he's gone up to another dog, sniffed it, then barked and ran to me and whined. I'm not sure what that's about but he's done it with some big dogs before and it's like he wants to start a fight but then he realizes what he's gotten into and runs away. Is this is because he wasn't socialized much before I adopted him?

 

[Saje]

Maybe. It could be a lot of things I think. Do you know of any big dogs he can play with and get some confidence from? It might be because he's young still and not that sure of himself with other dogs.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

Is This your First Dog?

 

[brandynq]

Well I know a few people that have big dogs but so far the only dogs he's met are the ones that happen to be on a walk at the same time as us. He's usually fine but every once in a while he'll start growling and barking, no matter how big the other dog is.

 

[brandynq]

And yes German ShepherdLover this is my first dog.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

Is He Fixed?

 

[brandynq]

Yup, he was neutered on July 12.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

What is his personality is he lazy or playful What's his personality?

 

[brandynq]

It depends on the situation. Sometimes when we play in the house he goes nuts but usually during walks he's pretty calm. He even seems fine when he's near other dogs but then after he sniffs for a while he'll just start barking and I have to pull him away.

 

[Saje]

You know what? I don't think you have a problem at all. Just keep working with him. He's still young and puppish. hormones shouldn't be a factor since you got him neutered so young. Keep socializing him with people and dogs and anything else you can. If you have friends with social dogs it would be good to set up play dates. I think you're doing fine though.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

Is He a watch Dog or does he aggressive to other dogs or people? Did he ever fight a other dog before?

 

[brandynq]

Thanks Saje, I hope you're right. German ShepherdLover, 9 times out of 10 he's really nice to people and loves to play. But occasionally he'll just lose it and start barking, even at people he's seen before. Then later he'll want to play with them. It's confusing.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

Does he barek at other dogs alot?

 

[brandynq]

Not a lot. Just sometimes when they get really close (like close enough to touch) he will bark and growl at them. But only after they've sniffed each other. It's strange because at first it looks like they like each other but then he'll start barking. I never know when to expect it because he doesn't do it all the time.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

Do you have a fenced area?

 

[brandynq]

Not really, we have a balcony but he spends most of his time inside unless he's using the bathroom or going for a walk.

 

[German_ShepherdLover]

How far does he go when he is outside?