Meeting Other Dogs

[Anastasia]

We took Jack on a hike last weekend and on the trail we came across a dog also off lead. The owner grabbed his collar and I put Jack back on his leash. We were separated by a large puddle of standing water. The owner of the other dog wanted them to meet and thankfully she asked me. I said no because Jack has only had two sets of shots. Her dog was pulling and his ears were back. I don't know if the dog was excited or aggressive. Honestly my first though was Anthony and Kiras experience with an aggressive dog and I wanted to avoid that. The dog just seemed to want to get to Jack and it made me nervous.

So my question is what am I looking for when we come across another dog. I don't feel like I know enough about other dogs body language to make a judgement call. What are my options?

[kiya]

As my trainer always says "you just never know".

[DJEtzel]

Why does your dog ever need to meet strange dogs?

When I'm out walking, at pet stores, etc. I NEVER let my dogs meet other dogs for numerous reasons-

There's no need for it.
The other dog could be carrying something contagious.
The other dog may be aggressive, I don't trust the owner's word.

If someone asks if they can meet I say No. If they ask why I tell them that my dog is super friendly with dogs, but I don't trust that any other dog I meet is as friendly or healthy. If they get offended I say that I don't care, I'm looking out for my dog's safety and it's my choice to make.

I only let them meet dogs at the dog park, and friend's dogs that I know are healthy/safe.

[Frankly I'm Frank]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

Why does your dog ever need to meet strange dogs?

When I'm out walking, at pet stores, etc. I NEVER let my dogs meet other dogs for numerous reasons-

There's no need for it.
The other dog could be carrying something contagious.
The other dog may be aggressive, I don't trust the owner's word.

If someone asks if they can meet I say No. If they ask why I tell them that my dog is super friendly with dogs, but I don't trust that any other dog I meet is as friendly or healthy. If they get offended I say that I don't care, I'm looking out for my dog's safety and it's my choice to make.

I only let them meet dogs at the dog park, and friend's dogs that I know are healthy/safe.

I agree with the above. However, you can also say that your dog is not always friendly and let them save face instead of turning it into an uncomfortable situation.

[DJEtzel]

Originally Posted by Frankly I'm Frank

I agree with the above. However, you can also say that your dog is not always friendly and let them save face instead of turning it into an uncomfortable situation.

This is true, too. You can say just about anything you'd like...

I personally prefer not to make my dog look like the bad one when it is their out of control dog that is keeping them from meeting.

[martemchik]

Everytime this comes up someone asks, "why does your dog need to meet other dogs?" Come on people, everyone is in a different situation and some people like their dogs saying hello to other dogs.

It doesn't sound like that dog was aggressive. Most people that walk their dog either off lead or on lead on a pretty long hike care a lot about their dog and it is probably a good dog. There are very few people out there that will allow their dog aggressive dog to meet/attack a puppy. I don't know where this mistrust is from but the majority of dog owners I have met are very upfront about their dogs issues and usually if they ask about meeting it means they know their dog is a good dog.

If you don't want to take the chance, then don't, I've never cared. There is maybe 1% of people out there that would love to see a big dog maul a puppy, but the rest of us, we love not just our dog but all other dogs. I believe 2 rounds of shots is enough to meet other dogs, the third round just contains rabies and I think you'd be able to tell what a rabid dog looks like.

If you want a social dog, and you plan on having him play with other dogs, get him socialized and around dogs you know are good, and then start experimenting with other strange dogs. I've never really cared who my dog meets, he's an 80 lb GSD, he can handle himself.

[DJEtzel]

Originally Posted by martemchik

Everytime this comes up someone asks, "why does your dog need to meet other dogs?" Come on people, everyone is in a different situation and some people like their dogs saying hello to other dogs.

Why would you want to take the risk though? Why not set up scheduled, supervised play dates OFF leash for dogs that you know are safe to play? I'm not saying to never let your dog meet others, but make sure they're safe dogs at least.

It doesn't sound like that dog was aggressive. Most people that walk their dog either off lead or on lead on a pretty long hike care a lot about their dog and it is probably a good dog. There are very few people out there that will allow their dog aggressive dog to meet/attack a puppy. I don't know where this mistrust is from but the majority of dog owners I have met are very upfront about their dogs issues and usually if they ask about meeting it means they know their dog is a good dog.

If you don't want to take the chance, then don't, I've never cared. There is maybe 1% of people out there that would love to see a big dog maul a puppy, but the rest of us, we love not just our dog but all other dogs. I believe 2 rounds of shots is enough to meet other dogs, the third round just contains rabies and I think you'd be able to tell what a rabid dog looks like.

If you want a social dog, and you plan on having him play with other dogs, get him socialized and around dogs you know are good, and then start experimenting with other strange dogs. I've never really cared who my dog meets, he's an 80 lb GSD, he can handle himself.

So much wrong with this.

First of all, you CANNOT tell by that description whether or not the dog was aggressive. NO way, no how.

Second of all, there are TONS of people in this country that walk their Dog Aggressive dogs off lead. I hear horror stories every day, and have met many such dogs unfortunately.

A LOT of owners are NOT upfront about their dog's issues, are in denial, or just don't realize it. I meet people like this with dogs on leash and off, and there are hundreds of such stories here on the forums about it.

There is a reason there are 3 sets of shots given, because they do not know when the mother's immunity will wear off and when the dog will be able to use the shot. The second shot may not take and the mother's immunity could wear off before you get the third shot, leaving your puppy completely at risk for viruses like parvo, but if you are already taking the chance walking it, then that is that. BUT, the third shot does NOT only contain rabies (shouldn't contain rabies at all, that is a completely seperate shot that should be given at a different time) and is important for your dog's health before meeting other strange dogs in strange places.

Dogs can carry rabies for up to 6 months before showing signs. While it is EXTREMELY unlikely that you meet a DOG with rabies while out walking, you would not always be able to tell if the dog had rabies or not.

Just isn't worth the risk to me. I can go home and call a friend over for a doggie play date instead and keep my dogs safe.

[amaris]

quick question from a newbie

Is it counted as socialization when the dog is only exposed to the same set of dogs repeatedly? I've always been under the assumption that socialization is in reference to exposing the puppy/dog to as many new experiences as possible.

[DJEtzel]

Originally Posted by amaris

quick question from a newbie

Is it counted as socialization when the dog is only exposed to the same set of dogs repeatedly? I've always been under the assumption that socialization is in reference to exposing the puppy/dog to as many new experiences as possible.

I consider it socialization when the dog is being shown NEW experiences. Playing with large and small dogs would be different, but IMO playing with 10 different labs (assuming they're all friendly) is the same as playing with one. They just need to meet safe friendly dogs to learn how to interact with dogs period.

[amaris]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

I consider it socialization when the dog is being shown NEW experiences. Playing with large and small dogs would be different, but IMO playing with 10 different labs (assuming they're all friendly) is the same as playing with one. They just need to meet safe friendly dogs to learn how to interact with dogs period.

got it Thanks