Can you re-train a 5 year old to be Dog Friendly

[Tmllres]

Hello, long time visitor just do not post alot. Brassow is my 5 1/2 old nuetered male. Brassow had a sister his entire life until January when his older sister (Macy)made her way to the bridge after discovering she had tumors and was bleeding interally. Macy did not play well with other dogs, so Brassow did not really go out a lot (We didn't want to take him out and leave Macy at home), so Brassow has never really learned to play with other dogs besdies Macy. He goes nuts every time he sees a dog either thru a window or if he is outside.There is a really nice dog park very near my house that I would love to take him to, but I am really nervous that he has never really been around other dogs. Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can find this out. I know the dog parks have rules, and I do not want to break them. Brassow is a big boy, he weighs 93 pounds and I do not want him to hurt any other dogs. Any help would be appreciated

Thanks,

Jim

 

[anyname]

I would be very careful my foster girl always got excited when she saw other dogs i took this as a sign she wanted to play . Well i brought a foster boy home and she wanted to kill him after 3 days they were best buddies , just make sure sure you have him leashed well and close to you as when they are in that mode they only thing to stop it is you.

 

[BoxerMom999]

Before going to the dog park - do you have any friends with dogs that can visit your home? Then you can introduce Brassow to the other dog(s) in a more controlled environment. And your friends will understand the situation - whereas people at the dog park will not.

 

[boxerzdanez]

Just take it slow and remember than any apprehension you have, he is going to feel and feed off of it...so just something to think about too.

 

[djheitz]

I would contact a trainer to see if you could join a beginner class. That would give him exposure to other dogs in a controlled environment. It will also allow the trainer to see your interactions and make suggestions on how best to introduce him to new dogs outside of class.
My condolences on Macy. Brassow must be feeling especially lonely with her gone.

 

[ladyluck_t]

From my experience with working with Foster dogs, here is my advice:

Do NOT take him to the dog park right now. My reasons for this are that he did not learn how to play "doggie style" so he is going to misread all overtures. He is also going to not know how to "back off" when told by other dogs. Also, alot of dogs at these kinds of parks are not well versed in behaving well with other dogs. Your boy may learn habits you dont want.

Best thing to do is talk with a local trainer, try www.apdt.com to find one. Talk with the trainer about what you are looking to do. With a knowledgeable guide, you can teach him how to play well with others, through lots of practice in controlled environments and then slowly introducing him to other dogs.....

Most problems happen due to lack of knowledge by the owner.....things can get out of control quickly and you can do some serious damage to their training, I strongly suggest you contact a qualified trainer and do this slowly,

My 2 cents