Puppy Socialization Successes!

Gracie's My Girl · 08-24-2011, 12:38 AM

I never knew how challenging socializing a dog was until I had to do it. It takes more time and patience than I ever could have imagined. Our puppy, Gracie, is timid at times and we have been working hard to build her confidence. We are finally making steps in the right direction!

For the past month, whenever Gracie was in a new situation and she was nervous...the hair on the back of her neck would stand up and her mouth would begin to foam. The first time we took her to a football game, she crouched underneath me and spent the majority of the time peaking at people. I was very discouraged with her behaivor, but I didn't want to give up on her.

Since then, we have been going to games three or four times a week, gradually working up to being part of the larger crowds. Her confidence has sky rocketed! Gracie is very happy to explore and meet new people. People are loving to see her as well! We've had many people come over to pet her.

She did especially well this evening. The only embarrasing moment occured then Gracie had a brief landshark moment with my brother's leg in front of the crowded bleachers. Everyone stared!

The best thing we ever did to help her was getting an Easy Walk Harness. I got sick of being yanked around whenever she saw a new thing that she had to investigate. We tried it out for the first time tonight and we both had a fantastic time! No more charging at the couple with the hamburgers and fries for a sample! Thank you MaggieRoseLee for the recommendation! It has eliminated the stress of her pulling.

At this point, I am very encouraged that Gracie is no longer pulling and that she has finally relaxing around crowds. I'm so proud of her progress!

codmaster · 08-24-2011, 01:59 AM

CONGRATS to both of you!

**MaggieRoseLee** · 08-24-2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gracie's My Girl

She did especially well this evening. The only embarrasing moment occured then Gracie had a brief landshark moment with my brother's leg in front of the crowded bleachers. Everyone stared!

The best thing we ever did to help her was getting an Easy Walk Harness. I got sick of being yanked around whenever she saw a new thing that she had to investigate. We tried it out for the first time tonight and we both had a fantastic time! No more charging at the couple with the hamburgers and fries for a sample! Thank you MaggieRoseLee for the recommendation! It has eliminated the stress of her pulling.

At this point, I am very encouraged that Gracie is no longer pulling and that she has finally relaxing around crowds. I'm so proud of her progress!

So glad the harness is working! I know for me it stopped me getting so pissed off at my dog (cause I was getting dragged) when I should have been happy and encouraging cause she was SO HAPPY AND EXCITED when out and about, which was my true goal!

Keep up the good work!

billsharp · 08-24-2011, 10:36 AM

Awesome! Going through the same thing with our 8 month old Liesl. Be warned, they seem to regress, then improve, then regress...it's maddening! But I think it is so worth it to build their confidence and allow you to relax a little in playgrounds, festivals, parks, etc. I think we all need to see ourselves a little bit as ambassadors for the breed, and take care to not allow the GSD to become the next stereotyped aggressive dog.

08-24-2011, 12:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
Gracie's My Girl Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 330	Puppy Socialization Successes! I never knew how challenging socializing a dog was until I had to do it. It takes more time and patience than I ever could have imagined. Our puppy, Gracie, is timid at times and we have been working hard to build her confidence. We are finally making steps in the right direction! For the past month, whenever Gracie was in a new situation and she was nervous...the hair on the back of her neck would stand up and her mouth would begin to foam. The first time we took her to a football game, she crouched underneath me and spent the majority of the time peaking at people. I was very discouraged with her behaivor, but I didn't want to give up on her. Since then, we have been going to games three or four times a week, gradually working up to being part of the larger crowds. Her confidence has sky rocketed! Gracie is very happy to explore and meet new people. People are loving to see her as well! We've had many people come over to pet her. She did especially well this evening. The only embarrasing moment occured then Gracie had a brief landshark moment with my brother's leg in front of the crowded bleachers. Everyone stared! The best thing we ever did to help her was getting an Easy Walk Harness. I got sick of being yanked around whenever she saw a new thing that she had to investigate. We tried it out for the first time tonight and we both had a fantastic time! No more charging at the couple with the hamburgers and fries for a sample! Thank you MaggieRoseLee for the recommendation! It has eliminated the stress of her pulling. At this point, I am very encouraged that Gracie is no longer pulling and that she has finally relaxing around crowds. I'm so proud of her progress! Last edited by Gracie's My Girl; 08-24-2011 at 12:46 AM.

08-24-2011, 10:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
billsharp Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 347	Awesome! Going through the same thing with our 8 month old Liesl. Be warned, they seem to regress, then improve, then regress...it's maddening! But I think it is so worth it to build their confidence and allow you to relax a little in playgrounds, festivals, parks, etc. I think we all need to see ourselves a little bit as ambassadors for the breed, and take care to not allow the GSD to become the next stereotyped aggressive dog. __________________ Liesl, b. 1/1/11 Maxie, 1994-2009 King, 1963-1968

08-24-2011, 01:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
codmaster Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: California, US Posts: 4,762	CONGRATS to both of you!

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement