How do I socialize my dog?

Question

I've taken my dog to doggy parks but he just barks and has even jumped up at other dogs. I'm so afraid he's going to bite some ones dog. He'll sniff a dog and be quiet for a two seconds then all of a sudden he'll get aggresive again. It would be really nice if he can play nice with other dogs with out me having to be scared of him biting them. Is it okay to put a muzzle on him until he's use to the other dogs? He's a springer spaniel.

My dog is 14 months old.

My dog is 14 months old.

Answer 1

just let him be at the park. the other dogs will put him in his place if he gets too rough. he's small enough that you can grab him and pick him up too if he's getting too agressive (i have a springer too)

when we first took our new pup to the park (at 4 months old) she was wild, jumping on everyone and trying to bite. that is until a big rotty started following her and smacking with its paw. she got knocked down and sat on. then a little fuzzy thing her sized came around and they started playing, and now she knows that playing is ok, biting and growling is not (well, growling can be sometimes). now she's 5 months old, and LOVES to get in the mix with the big dogs. and she can hold her own for the most part. they need to learn where their place is and having another dog put them in it is the best idea. the last time we went to the park, there was this little yippy thing that tried to atttack everyone there (humans included). we have two areas, a large one and a small one, the small one is usally for the tiny dogs or time out areas. well this dog was in the little area so some guy decided that it would be best to bring his big dog in there so that the little one could actually be faced with another dog. the big dog laid down!!! the other one was going nuts the whole time and then they started chasing each other. it really calmed the little one down, it just didnt know how to act with other animals. my pup gets nipped all the time, but really, she diserves it, and she learns and wont bother that dog in that way again. it will take some time, but i would say dont muzzle because that will scare your dog more (since it cant protect itself).

Answer 2

Hey there. How old is your dog? Has he had a chance to hang out with other dogs before the park? The dog park can be overwhelming at first for a dog who might be undersocialized. Watch your dog and be vigilant (sounds like you're already doing this which is good!) but you also don't need to rush in and stop every interaction that your dog has with other dogs. It's normal and natural for your dog to jump on other dogs, and even make "scary" noises. What you don't want to be doing is nagging at your dog and pulling him away from interacting with other dogs. Keeping a taut leash and scolding your dog will 'help' him to make the decision that bad things always happen when he's around other dogs. So yes, get a muzzle if you're worried about your dog being over the top with other dogs, but also watch what other people do and talk to them. I think you'll find many people at your dog park who can help you out. Have fun!

*edit* OK - at 15 months, I remember that my dog was a really obnoxious adolescent, and all of the adult dogs that he knows spent a lot of time sitting on his head until he chilled out. Sounds like your pup is going through the same thing. Do make sure that the older dogs that your pup plays with are patient (there are a few adult dogs around who can't stand puppies/adolescents). Remember that your dog is learning from all of this. Good luck!

Answer 3

I've worked through this problem with my dog. Steadily put him in more and more social situations.....he should get more comfortable over time. Some dogs never totally lose that aggressive tendency...but positive reinforcement for good behavior should reduce the problem. I find a halti to be an excellent method of control in tense situations....while it looks like a muzzle, it doesn't restrict the opening of your dogs mouth. It will however give you greater control, as it leads the dog by the nose. Tasks such as heeling while on a run or bike ride are made much easier....and should enhance your control in the dog park as well.

Answer 4

Sometimes people are so nervous that their dog might misbehave and the dog can sense this. Usually that triggers the dog to act in an unacceptable manner. Take your dog different places with you (they don't all have to be places where there are dogs) where you feel more comfortable and at ease. Keep your dog on a leash (muzzle him if you feel you must) and correct him when he gets out of line. Take him away if he still doesn't behave. You can always go back and try again when he calms down.

Answer 5

by bringing him everywhere you go, if he is fairly young he wont do anything besides dogs growl before they bite to tell people " Hey I dont like you, back off!" so a muzzle if he is older and has shown aggression towards you before and no if he hasnt. other dogs may be a challenge thats him getting his male genes kicking in of I MUST BE ALPHA OVER THEM ALL!!! thats why he is acting that way so if a friend has a dog take him over days on days and let them play and get use to one another and you should have a dog loving pooch in no time flat, smaller dogs like a mini dachshund on the other hand is different they are natural I want nothing to do with any other dog because they dont like to be shared or have there masters attention on another dog so they act like they have to be alpha over there master and thats a big no no! thats something you want to smack them on the nose for and correct as quickly as possible or big trouble for you.

Answer 6

Take him to obedience school where you can learn to train him, other people are learning to train their dogs, and an experienced trainer is there to help all of you deal with the dogs and their problems.An experienced trainer or behaviorist can also tell you if something you're doing is causing the dog to react aggressively, sometimes a dog can react to things you aren't even aware of doing.

Obedience training helps put you in the position of boss dog, or alpha, and demand the respect of your dog, it gives you the control you need over the dog. The fact that your dog acts aggressive in your presence when you make it clear that you don't want him acting aggressively, shows that he doesn't respect you as dominant. No subordinate wolf dares to show aggression in front of an alpha wolf if that alpha wolf has made it clear to the subordinate that it won't tolerate aggression out of the subordinate.

Answer 7

A muzzle will not hurt the dog, is there anywhere where you can take him to play and run where there are no other dogs? My big dog is not aggressive until and unles another mail starts something with him, then he pins it to the ground, not pretty, we just keep him from dogs that he does not know

Answer 8

Introduce him to as many dogs, people, environments, as you can. Also teach him to sit, stay, heal, etc. When a dog approaches you should be able to tell him to Sit, Stay, Heal, etc and have him not budge at all, and not bark or growl. Also, if he pulls, just lead him the opposite direction. You can also teach Speak and Quiet.

Take him to a pet store hat allows pets to come in.

Obedience class if you are having trouble training.

Answer 9

Keep him on leash and walk him by dogs in the neighborhood at a safe distance. If he starts to tense up, growl, or lunge, you are to close to the other dog for his comfort...move away.

As his comfort level increases, walk closer to the other dogs.

Treat and praise him for calm behavior.

If you see him start to tense up, raise his hackles or tail, stare at another dog hard, then do a quick firm snap on the leash and tell him "Leave it." Praise and treat when he redirects his attention to you.

Do not force him into situations that make him uncomfortable, or you will only make the behavior worse.

Good luck!

http://www.libertydogtraining.com

Answer 10

If he has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs, I would not let him off leash at a dog park.

Keep him on leash, and if he gets aggressive, correct sternly (and I don't mean beat the dog either). Let him know you do not approve of that behavior. A Gentle Leader (head halter might be necessary).

How old is this dog?