What's the Best Way Socialize an Adult Dog Who Doesn't Like Other Dogs?

Question

Hi everyone. I am wanting to adopt a dog to take back to school with me when the summer ends. I have a slight problem, however. My parents have an 11 year-old female Dalmatian who does not get along with other dogs; we've never tried to introduce her to another dog for a prolonged period of time, but whenever we go on walks and she sees another dog, she jumps and tries to lunges towards it. This is obviously an obstacle if I'm wanting to bring another dog into the home a couple of months before school starts. I know some might say to just wait closer till I go back to school, but I think I may have found the perfect dog for me already, a 6 year-old male Welsh Corgi, and I'd hate to pass him up. I'd also hate to adopt a dog and have a bunch of problems because I can't get our Dalmatian to get along (the other dog already gets along with other dogs). Can our Dalmatian be socialized at her age? Or would it likely just be a lost cause? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

is it possible to meet with the new addition on nutral turf that neither "owns" and introduce them and see how they each get along. Being a male and a female you may have less problems, but by doing a off turf intro you are seeing if they are a good match together. Rescues and shelters are usually very good and understand the need to do introductions to see if the match would work. best of luck

Answer 2

When you go on walks, your dog is on a leash. Therefore, she feels like she cannot get away if some strange dog were to attack. So she's on the offensive, telling all the other dogs to leave her alone. You can socialize adult dogs. The best way I've heard of is to get a puppy, that way the adult dog will think that the puppy is hers. But if you have your heart set on this Corgi, then see if you can introduce them in an environment where neither dog is on a leash, but there's some kind of control (in a small room, maybe the Corgi on a leash). You need to make sure that you can control the Dalmation so she doesn't attack the Corgi.

You may want to try to take her to a dog park during the slow periods of the day, when there aren't many other dogs around, to see how she reacts off-leash to new dogs. Most dog parks have a double gate. You may be able to tell just by having her off the leash in between the gates. That way, she can't attack the other dogs and you can always take her back out if you need.

You can find someone who has a Dalmation or other large dog and introduce them. If she attacks, the other dog can hold its own since they would be comparable in size.

Answer 3

Is she jumping and lunging and growing, acting aggressive? Or is she jumping and lunging and just wants to get close to check out other dogs. Take your dog to the shelter w/ you, and get the shelter people to help you to introduce the two of them. That way you'll have a better idea if she is going to accept another dog.. Odds are pretty good that she will accept a male.. far better than she would accept a female into her home.

Answer 4

I would get the Corgi if you think he's the perfect dog for you. They are great little guys with big personalities. I would keep the two on leashes around each other, and slowly work on getting the Dal to warm up to your new little guy. If that doesnt seem to be doing anything, then I'd just try to keep them seperated. I would hate to see you pass up your perfect K-9 match though.

Answer 5

I agree with Suzi

I have a dog that has a lot of onleash agression but is fine at the dog park. You only mention the way th dalmation acts when its on a leash.

If they meet, I would have both dogs on a leash but under no circumstance would I be holding the leash - too many nerves will make the dogs on edge. The leashes are only there to grab them should things go awry.

I agree with the dog park - what is the dalmation like at the dog park? Can you take him to one? See what things are like under no leash situations. My dog is an angel at the dog park but a protective mess on the leash (we ARE working on it!!)

Good luck

I think its possible, just be careful

And you may need to let them rarrhh rarrhhhh it out. Most dogs have bite inhibition, meaning they do not want to rip another dog to pieces, they are just figuring it out. So don't freak out if there is a tussle. Dogs have to figure out who is top dog between them.

Answer 6

It's not very likely that the Dalmatian will change. Dalmatians are already know for aggression and could easily turn on the Corgi. However, you just never know. You could keep them separated by a door for a while then slowly introduce them while on leashes. If all goes well then let them meet and sniff in person while being watched by you and your parent. It is possible they will get along fine. Just approach it slowly.

Answer 7

crating your dog and letting your cat come to the dog is your best bet. give the cat plenty of attention and praise her when she get close to the dog. cats get jelous and she may think you are replacing her with this dog. give her more attention than usual. always restrain the dog around the cat. best way is to keep a leash on the dog and hold him back when they are in the same room. also try to train the dog to sit or lay down near the cat instead of standing, this might be less intimidating to the cat. feed them at the same time, they will associate each other with food, food is good therefore they might like each other. good luck

Answer 8

Since the Dalmation is so old and hasn't been intruduced to any other dogs for a while it probably isn't going to be a great idea to get another dog into her life, but since the dog is already 6yrs old it might be a good idea since hes not a puppy.

Answer 9

For starters don't encourage the behavior by being submissive yourself. Assert yourself and don't allow the dog to become aggressive. By using a calming voice you are reassuring the dog that it's behavior is okay. By taking control and correcting the aggression you are letting the dog know it is unexceptable. A low growly voice is what you use to maintain the alph role wiht a dog. A good dog trainer is also a your best bet. Call a shelter and they can reccomend someone.

Answer 10

Hi, I would say to keep the dogs seperate. Let them get use to each other. Build a pen in the back yard, put the corgi in the pen and let the Dalmation run though the yard, she can smell the other dog and learn to get use to her. Also try doing something they will both enjoy where they can run together, such as playing fetch. Good luck!