How important is socializing?

[law1558]

My family rescued a beautiful 10 mo old sable male a few months back. He is our first rescue and it's been (almost) a perfect transition into our home. Based on this experience, I can see us rescuing exclusively in the future.

My question is about socialization - when we first got Beau, we were able to take him to the local dog park and he would play nicely with other dogs. Some would let him know to back off and he would. Recently though, when we go to the dog park, he's a jerk...gets into more serious dominant stances and "picks" on dogs that don't appreciate his attention. This last week, I had to leash him and leave because he was being such a nuisance.

I did some research online and read up on bark parks and how they're really not a great idea. So - OK - no real angst about not going back. But, without that outlet, what's the best way to socialize my dog? My goal is passing the CGC and having a generally well behaved dog that I can take out in public without having to constantly worry, "is there another dog around?".

When we're out walking/running, I can tell him "leave it" and he's pretty good about re-directing his focus to me. He used to lunge, but doesn't do that much anymore - he also used to bark and growl, but doesn't anymore either, so there has been progress....

Any suggestions?

[jocoyn]

A lot of training and obedience around solid dog neutral dogs! He learns they are simply not interesting anymore. Can you get into some classes? Some activity?

Oh, I have a "beau" too

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by law1558

But, without that outlet, what's the best way to socialize my dog? My goal is passing the CGC and having a generally well behaved dog that I can take out in public without having to constantly worry, "is there another dog around?".

Take a class, either a beginning obedience class or one specifically for the CGC. In that class, he will learn to behave properly on-leash and to ignore, or greet politely, other dogs. At the dog park, he learns that other dogs are there for his amusement. At the park he learns that when he sees another dog he can run over and play with it. In a CGC class he'll learn to restrain his impulses and behave politely. He'll learn that other dogs aren't for his amusement; they're for him to greet politely and go about his day.

In our class, we did a lot of walking up to other students with both dogs on leash, having them sit, shaking hands with each other, talking for a few minutes, and walking away. After a while it became routine to the dogs.

[KZoppa]

if you have friends who have well behaved socialized dogs, have play dates. You will have to enforce rules during those play dates so he learns what is allowable in terms of play and what is not acceptable.

You can also look into obedience classes. This can help you immensely anyway in terms of helping you get where you want to be with him for the CGC test. He doesnt necessarily have to LIKE other dogs, he just has to tolerate them. if he's aloof with people and other dogs, that should be okay.

Obedience classes can also help you learn where you would need to work with him the most in terms of whats needed to pass the test.

[chelle]

Originally Posted by law1558

....when we first got Beau, we were able to take him to the local dog park and he would play nicely with other dogs. Some would let him know to back off and he would. Recently though, when we go to the dog park, he's a jerk...gets into more serious dominant stances and "picks" on dogs that don't appreciate his attention...

I'm not sure how to work on the socialization at this point, but I do want to say, in the nicest of ways, please don't bother with the dog park anymore. Dogs that behave that way at the park are the reasons so many no longer go to the park. I want to give you much credit that you're recognizing this, that you're controlling it and not allowing the bad behavior. I wish more owners would do so. Just recently an owner had a GSD that completely focused on my dog. Every time my boy moved, that GSD was ON him. The owner tried to control the dog, but could not, so she leashed him up and left. I appreciate her for that, as we were moments away from leaving due to her dog's behavior. I have no idea why that particular dog focused in on mine, but of all the dogs in the park, MY pup was the one he wanted to go after. Dominant posturing, chasing, literally almost attack mode. The dog park is such a crap shoot.!

[law1558]

Thanks everyone! We're in basic obedience now with plans to continue...and we'll stay away from the park.