today, I took my 3 years old lhasa apso to a dog park. we adopted him and we have him for 4 months. so I am not sure if his previous owner took him to dog park or not. he was trying to be alone himself and didn't socialize very much with other dogs. my question is: is it normal for a lhasa apso dog to not socialize at dog park with other dogs for the first time? do you think if i continue taking him to dogs park would help him or not.
2006-12-02 16:22:23 · 6 answers · asked by Led Z 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I personally don't care much for dog parks. My own breed (Alaskan Malamutes) don't tend to be friendly to other dogs after reaching maturity, so it wouldn't be safe to turn them loose among numerous strange dogs.
As a responsible owner, I choose to not take my dogs to such places. I worry that other, less than responsible, owners might not care about the safety of other people's dogs and take their less-than-friendly dogs to dog parks.
For this reason, even if I had Golden Retrievers, I wouldn't take my dogs to a park where anyone and everyone can come in and simply turn their dogs loose, regardless of how they behave. I would worry about my own dog's safety.
With as small of a dog as your Lhasa, I'd be REAL worried about these dogs.
Perhaps your dog sensed that some of the other dogs weren't safe to be around.
Also, many lap dogs simply prefer the company of humans, not showing much interest in other dogs.
If you want to socialize your dog with other dogs, start out slowly. Find a friend or relative with a sweet dog and schedule a play date for the two dogs. Expand your dog's canine friends in this manner instead of expecting him to jump into a group of strange, larger dogs and just make buddies. It is much safer for your guy, and probably more pleasurable for him.
That is, if your dog really wants a dog for a friend! He might be totally content to just have your love and attention.
2006-12-02 16:45:10 · answer #1 · answered by Lori R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our neighbors' Lhasa, Russell, did not like the company of other dogs. But he was really a people person, you know what I mean? We live next to the park and he was never thrilled to go there. If you let go of the leash, he would walk toward home! I would take my Pug over to his house and he didn't interact too much. Some dogs, mine included, like to be the one and only. If your dog came from a pound, he may have had a bad experience. Sometimes it takes a dog a year to get over something bad. But then they can learn a trick on the first try! Best of luck to you and yours!!
2006-12-03 00:30:59 · answer #2 · answered by whrldpz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well - think about what the breed purpose is.Lhasa's were meant to be lap dogs- more people oriented then social to other dogs.
BE careful on how you go about "socializing" your dog. If he's had no previous experiences with dogs then I would suggest that you don't go to the dog park. He may require something less bold and uncontrolled. It's OK for a dog not to want to be with other dogs.
True dog socialization period is prior to 4 mos of age and then should be continued throughout life. If the dog missed out on proper socialization then it tends to develop some social deficits.
http://www.apbc.org.uk/article5.htm
http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/puppy-socialization.html
The good, the bad and the ugly: Dog Park Study
http://www.4pawsu.com/Dog%20Parks.pdf
If you continue he may either habituate to the environment and tolerate dog activity but might start using aggression to keep a certain social distance from other dogs - espcially if they approach him. He might get more sensitized - more upset and scared about the place.
Book: Fight! by Jean Donaldson
book on social behaviors of dogs- especially off leash
2006-12-03 00:41:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Lhasa Mix, and the same thing goes on. Mostly she runs back to MOMMY when most dogs approach. She wanders around too, but mostly stays right by Mommy. She is a people-dog---she just loves people. She would rather go to a person than to another dog. But I think it's important for the dog to socialize- even just to be in the dog park atmosphere. I don't take her every day. She loves to walk. Another thing I realized, is that she loves to wander by herself. At the dog park-off the leash- she does walk around, doing her business, sniffing, sniffing other dogs too. She'll go up to people and paw her way happily with her tail wagging and gives kisses. She is just a joy in the life!
2006-12-03 00:35:36 · answer #4 · answered by regwoman123 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the posting about taking a training course such as the ones PetSmart offers. They work on socializing your dog with other dogs as well as people and also help you get a great start on obedience which can really strengthen you're bond with her. I would also recommend seeing if any of the dog parks in your area have seperate large dog and small dog areas. She may be more likely to interact with dogs closer to her own size.
2006-12-03 00:45:43 · answer #5 · answered by corsca09 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Enroll in an obedience class like at Petsmart. That helps with socialization with other dogs and with people. Your dog will also be trained in basic obedience but it sounds like the biggest benefit to your dog right now will be the socialization.
2006-12-03 00:34:35 · answer #6 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋