I took my dog to the vet this morning, and was told i need to start socializing him. Now heres my question. How is the right way to do that? I know taking him to parks, petsmart, getting him in alot of different settings, etc but what is the right thing once there? He is a 6 month old lab mix, and great with family, but when taken to places such as vet and dealing with other people and animals, hes fearful. Any suggestions will be appreciated! I really love my dog, so please be serious with answers! Thanks again!
2007-03-02 05:37:13 · 13 answers · asked by clarivee82 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He has dogs to play with around here. I live next door to both my mom and my sister and theres another dog in the house. HE doesnt seem really scared of other dogs, but people is the main thing. Any advice on that id love. Hes fine with family and friends, but strangers hes fearful of.
2007-03-02 06:05:31 · update #1
Plenty of exposure to all kinds of things! And do it slowly. If your dog seems scared of something or someone, don't force him to confront it, but don't coddle him over it either. Be calm and keep him at a distance where he seems uneasy but not scared. Give him treats, walk with him or play with him. When he's gotten used to whatever it is he's scared of and isn't showing anxiety anymore, you can get him a little closer and repeat.
Your most important job is to make sure he's feeling safe.
Good luck with him!
2007-03-02 05:56:23 · answer #1 · answered by ceci9293 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dog parks are perfect for this since there is an open fenced in yard where other dogs can come up to your puppy and your puppy can run around... Keep an eye on his body movements like when he tenses up just simply keep him on his leash and have him walk with you (keep him busy) Bring his favorite toy to play with.. have others come over to your house and play with him there or if you know anyone else with a dog to bring the dog over to play with your puppy... Places like petsmart go when its not busy (usually during the morning hours) this way he wont feel too nervous cause there isnt that many people but enough to get the feel that everyone is nice and friendly! =) This will take a while but he will soon grow out of the fear and learn that playing with other doggies or people are FUN!
2007-03-02 05:45:48 · answer #2 · answered by csmutz2001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would sign up for a training class. You said you take him to Petsmart, they have training at most of there stores. The cost is around $100 for an 8 week class. And you get the added bonus of training your dog with professionals. Are there any dogs parks around where you live? This would be another way to socialize you dog. Try to find one that has a fenced off leash site.
2007-03-02 05:44:33 · answer #3 · answered by tumbleweed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ideally socialization should start way earlier than this.
But it can still be done, its just going to take longer.
Take your dog to different places. You need to remain confident and calm. If you are fearing your dog's reaction, your dog will pick up on this and act fearful as well.
Don't force the situation. If your dog is acting fearful, don't force him to "face his fears" let him work up to it in his own time. If you try to force it you may make him only that much more fearful of the situation.
Do not coddle your dog for being fearful. Again remain confident and calm, and ignore this behavior from your dog. If you give him any attention, even looking at him, you are reinforcing the fearful behavior.
When he does react to a situation in the appropriate manner, praise him lavishly.
Its going to take time, but you can do it.
2007-03-02 05:50:12 · answer #4 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to let your dog follow your lead. Take him to public places with other dogs and their owners, such as the dog parks and pet classes. Holding on to your dog (or on a leash) will let him know he is safe while he is introduced to other (friendly) dogs. Get down to his level and when you pet the other dogs it will show your pet that it is safe. If he acts aggressive be sure to be strict with him (you don't want that behavior to stick). The more he is around other dogs, the more he will feel comfortable. A great article was written about this on wehow.com which should help you. Here is the link, I recommend you take a look!
http://wehow.ehow.com/how_2019950_behave-dog-park-humans.html
2007-03-06 05:15:17 · answer #5 · answered by Lola 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a 4 month old pit bull puppy and to socialize her we take her outside and have her play with our neighbors' dogs. They nervously checked each other out at first, but now they all play together and she is friendly with everyone - people and other animals. Good luck!
* Person below me ----> Holy cut and paste batman!
2007-03-02 05:43:07 · answer #6 · answered by georgia peach 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should take him to a training class at PetSmart. You should also never coddle your dog when he is scared ignore it. Trust me I learned the hard way I was wrong for coddling my dog when she was scared and now she is so scared that we took her to the groomers for the first time she did nothing but mess herself the entire time she was there. Training works.
2007-03-06 23:55:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think the best way to go would be to take your dog to obedience classes.
2007-03-02 08:21:30 · answer #8 · answered by TOM 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.thedivadog.com
look in the Reading Room for all this answers!
2007-03-02 05:46:55 · answer #9 · answered by CateN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you never introduce him to my UGLY wife Kimme. She is the troll on this site.
2007-03-02 06:18:02 · answer #10 · answered by married_to_troll 1 · 2⤊ 4⤋