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Socialising adopted dog??

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  Twyla 
#1 ·
Hi everyone,
I am new to this site but I thought this might be the best place to get some help.

I adopted a 6 year old female german shepard last week. She is very gentle, well behaived and obedient. Except when around other dogs.
If we are near another dog while on a walk she will bark and pull on her lead.
There was one incident when she slipped past me and ran accross the street of my house to a passing dog, she barked rather aggressivly and was all over the dog but did not bite (which I am taking as a good sign).

I was wondering if anyone had any tips on socialising her with other dogs?
We live 3 houses down from a great dog park and I would love to take her there and let her play, but I feel we are quite a while off that goal.

Any advise or examples would be greatly appreciated :)
 
#2 ·
Socialization with other dogs might not fix the issue. It might make it worse depending on why the dog is reacting. If it was reacting out of fear it could help but maybe not even then if the behavior has become operant. If it was reacting out of frustration and desire to get to the other dog then socialition will definitely fail.
 
#4 ·
She has been with you for a week. She is in a new environment, with humans she doesn't know and has no bond with. Spend time working with her, bonding, and just getting the house routine down before introducing a lot of new things. Some swear by the 2 week shut down . As she settles in her new home, you will see more of her personality and temperament show. It can take a few weeks up to months for a rescued dog to show all of their quirks. During this time, locate a good trainer, experienced with GSD and working breeds. A second set of eyes on your dog and her actions will be invaluable in determining if this is excitement, FA or something else.

As for dog parks; many GSD just aren't candidates for them. Personally, I am not a fan of them simply because to many are just uncontrolled chaos and a set up for an fight/accident waiting to happen.

Congratulations on the new dog.... and thank you.
 
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