slobberlove
Boxer Pal
Socializing with other dogs is slightly better than when I initially got Briseis last Spring. When I leave her at the dog hotel they say she is fine, likes to run a lot and exercise, she even learned how to play fetch/catch because she was totally against it when I tried and first got her.
She gets along with my cousins puppy terrier other than being territorial when I'm around (my cousins terrier is not allowed to play w/me). On walks she still gets extremely tense and aggressive when approached by other dogs. I've tried the treat method of reinforcing good behavior and getting to her level and praising her for calming down/shaking off/or just ignoring. She's getting better - but isn't at the level that I am completely confident while on leash and am scared to go to dog parks. While on walks some other dog owners have encouraged me to allow her to sniff and that has worked out a few times, mostly with calm male dogs, but with female older dogs regardless of size its definitely scary - with the snarls and grawls.
I was doing some group behavioral training as well and she's a lot better now but I'm not sure what if anything I should expect.
Should I even try to continue socializing her??? Or give up since she's already 4? Dog parks at this point might be a lost cause. :(
But I also recognize that I need to retrain myself and not feel scared or nervous because she feels that as well.
Thoughts?? I'm still new at this and trying so hard.
She gets along with my cousins puppy terrier other than being territorial when I'm around (my cousins terrier is not allowed to play w/me). On walks she still gets extremely tense and aggressive when approached by other dogs. I've tried the treat method of reinforcing good behavior and getting to her level and praising her for calming down/shaking off/or just ignoring. She's getting better - but isn't at the level that I am completely confident while on leash and am scared to go to dog parks. While on walks some other dog owners have encouraged me to allow her to sniff and that has worked out a few times, mostly with calm male dogs, but with female older dogs regardless of size its definitely scary - with the snarls and grawls.
I was doing some group behavioral training as well and she's a lot better now but I'm not sure what if anything I should expect.
Should I even try to continue socializing her??? Or give up since she's already 4? Dog parks at this point might be a lost cause. :(
But I also recognize that I need to retrain myself and not feel scared or nervous because she feels that as well.
Thoughts?? I'm still new at this and trying so hard.
