Dog-Aggressive or no? How to socialize an adult dog?

[faith77]

Hi everyone. So I adopted Faith from Boxer Rescue two and a half months ago. She had NO training (as well as barely any teeth and only one eye!). She now knows Sit, Stay and Down, but all that goes out the window when we see other dogs.

My problem is that I feel she's not socializing enough (at all!) with other dogs. But I'm scared to introduce her because I honestly don't know what will happen. At rescue they said she didn't start a single fight while she was there, but she NEVER backed down if someone else started one.

I only have one dog-owning friend, and they have a teeny dog who they don't want anywhere near my big lady. SO. What do I do? She goes nuts on the leash when she sees other dogs, so I can't take her to PetCo or a dog park anything. I'd sign up for a group class but I just don't know if she would start a fight or something. I've started giving her treats etc when we pass other dogs on the street, and she's calmed down a little, but not much. How can I test the waters, so to speak, with other doggies? I want her to have friends!

 

[Cami]

I would definetly investigate a training class. If you get a great trainer they will have loads of info for you reguarding what to do. They (should be), excellent in understanding dog behavior and will be able to avoid a possible fight by watching your dog and other's body language.

 

[Evie&Adam]

The best advise is to be patient. Very patient. I too have been dealing with similar issues (do a search on my posts). Patience on your part is the key. Just keep at the training- you are on the right track. A good trainer will help too. My Adam has issues with dogs and he definitely does better with the small (ankle bitter! LOL) dogs. He just loves them like crazy, to my surprise he is actually very soft with them!

I started introducing Adam to other dogs at great distances (like 50+ feet!) put him in a sit. When he didnt freak/bark/pull at the dog, I moved up to 40 feet, etc. you get the idea. Yeah, it took about 2 months to be able to let Adam sniff a dog. Now, Adam will play quite nicely with a few dogs and I have no worries (these are my mom's dogs). We are still cautious around dogs I dont know, and I still have issues with "lockon", but things are improving. Just keep at it!

 

[davcor]

socializing

First off, kudos to you for taking in such a challenging bundle!! My suggestion would be to find a good trainer or behaviorist (if you can find one) in your area. They may know of some friendly, well-socialized dogs (and their owners) who could help.

Good luck in that endeavor!
davcor

 

[tcarlisle]

It sounds like you don't know the dog's history, or even why he lost an eye. For all you know she has been attacked in the past. Take it very slowly, start off at great distances and work to smaller distances, and don't push too much too fast. Since you don't know what has happened to her in the past, you don't know what to expect.

Once basic obedience is trained, you can re-train those commands in new environments. Dogs don't transfer their learning to new contexts like we do. If you see a dog that complies with obedience directions under any circumstance, then you are probably looking at a dog that has been trained under many circumstances.

 

[VTbxrFan]

Another tip - when you do encounter other dogs, try to stay relaxed! If you are uptight about running into other dogs, your dog will pick up on that and start to see other dogs as something bad.

 

[faith77]

Thanks for all the tips you guys.

It sounds like you don't know the dog's history, or even why he lost an eye. For all you know she has been attacked in the past.

This is very true, and I suspect she HAS been in fights in the past. Her ear is split, she has several scars etc. I'm continually amazed at what a sweet dog she is, considering the fact that she has clearly been badly abused, or at the very least neglected, by people. But she still loves 'em! She has a healthy amount of barking/jumping (i.e. she's not scared), and once she meets people, she just wants to lick them to death.

Thanks for the advice, especially on introducting dogs at great distances, then shortening them, that sounds like a plan. I'd love to be able to Boxer Bash some time, and I've got patience and time, so we'll see.

 

[hanley]

It sounds like Faith got lucky when you rescued her, I wish all the abused dogs were as lucky! I applause you for having such a kind & patient heart. Boxer Pal, Hanley

 

[scott1990]

I have the same problem!

I just got Lucy from the rescue league, and she's about 20 months old. She's a sweetheart in everyway, except when we encounter other animals on a walk. I can't wait to see what it will be like taking her to the vet.... Does anyone know of a great book on training dogs that might address this issue, was well as walking on a leash? Lucy walks fairly well with an adjustable harness (it tightens under her "armpits" when she pulls) but she is horrible in a collar alone.

When we do see (or simply hear) other dogs and I see that she's getting excited, I start by giving her a pull on the harness and commanding NO three or four times. Sometimes this helps her keep self control and we can walk past the problem area. When it does work, once we're in the clear I stop and heap her with praise.

If a dog(s) are walking past us and are close by, forget it, this won't work. When she freaks I have to grab her by the harness, hold her to keep her from lurching, and I command NO while doing so. This calms her a little and soon we can be on our way.

I think she just wants to play with the other dogs, but I am also afraid to assume that! I don't know what whe'd do if she got to another animal. Let's keep each other posted with our success/failures and see if we can get past this!

 

[douma]

Does anyone know of a great book on training dogs that might address this issue, was well as walking on a leas!

DOGS ARE FROM NEPTUNE by Jean Donaldson
AGGRESSION IN DOGS practical management,prevention&behaviour modification by Brenda Aloff

both are GREAT books

agbeh

Here in the Aggressive Behaviors in Dogs group, experienced dog trainers (more than 240 from around the world) discuss with pet dog owners how to modify the behavior of dogs which sometimes exhibit aggressive behaviors toward dogs and/or toward people. Some problem behaviors may arise from illness, but oftentimes aggressive behaviors arise from dogs' fears or anxieties. We believe that harsh training and physical punishments may make the problems worse.

Trainers give suggestions on safe home management and on using positive-reinforcement methods for teaching new skills. A major emphasis is on behavior modification to help desensitize dogs to reduce their anxieties. Only positive reinforcement (dog-friendly) recommendations are permitted. No choke chains or leash-jerk corrections, or electronic shock collars here!


Good luck and happy training

Sophia and Avra