Socialization with other dogs

[TheActuary]

Question about socializing with other dogs:

So my 5 mo. old pup doesn't really get a chance to play with other dogs much. She has seen/sniffed in passing many but doesn't really get to interact much beyond this. There are two other dogs in her puppy class but one is super shy and the other is small... so they never get any off leash play there.

I'm wondering if this is a problem? Does just being around other dogs help to keep her from developing dog aggression or does she need off leash interaction?

Sometimes when we are around another dog that she is not allowed to meet (other owners decision not mine) she will get irritated and start barking/pulling towards them. This is not her initial reaction tho... when she is allowed to meet other dogs she is normally polite for the initial greet and then tries to instigate play (sometimes a bit roughly). The barking normally happens when the other owner starts talking to me from a distance but doesn't allow their dog to come say "hi." I have started just walking off when they don't allow their dog to approach... I feel like it's a waste of time (and irritating to my pup) to stand around talking if they won't let the dogs meet.

I am considering taking her to the dog park... but I really can't decide if it's a good idea or not. I wish I knew some other people with high drive puppies that she could play with.

[Mrs.K]

So my 5 mo. old pup doesn't really get a chance to play with other dogs much. She has seen/sniffed in passing many but doesn't really get to interact much beyond this. There are two other dogs in her puppy class but one is super shy and the other is small... so they never get any off leash play there.

Is she passing them fine or is she going off? Sounds like she's passing them fine and doing an outstanding job. You already ARE(!!!) socializing her. What you are doing is socialization. Socializing doesn't mean to take her to the dog park to be run over by a bunch of strange dogs. It means to expose her to many different places and situations, not just having her play with other dogs.

She is way too young for the dog park. It could actually be counter productive to what you want from her.

Find one dog she is doing well with. A dog in her age and then take them to play somewhere but don't throw her into a dog park with a bunch of strange dogs.

[Emoore]

I agree with Mrs. K. A lot of people have this idea that socializing is taking your pup to doggie romper room where they have a free-for-all with other dogs.

To me, socializing is teaching the dog to be polite and aloof with other dogs, to be able to be calm and well-behaved around them. We get this at our weekly class, where Kopper learns to work and concentrate and focus on me, and to greet other dogs and other people politely. Sounds like your pup is getting this as well.

I am not at all a fan of dog parks for dogs of any age.

[onyx'girl]

Is there a dog in your puppy class that is of the same size who you can have a play date with? GSD's are very rough, so the other breed should be evenly matched. I took my pup to a play group a couple of times so he could interact with other puppies. I think he was about 3 months at the time, just safe w/ the vaccinating protocol.
This wasn't 'training' just a structured playtime with 5 other pups(all different larger breed) It helped because my pup was being raised with two adult GSD's and I didn't want him to feel bullied or try to bully others. My females showed him how to be mannerly, I let them correct him if they so chose. He was never a real pushy pup, though, and very few times did they have to correct him.
I would not do the dog park, stay with a structured playtime so your pup will not feel overwhelmed or be ovewhelming to others. Is there a GSD club in your area?

I didn't have to worry, because his genetics showed and he's never been reactive or aggressive with other dogs unless they come into his face, he may warning growl.
This is how Karlo was schooled by Onyx:

[TheActuary]

Ok great... we are making a lot of progress in being aloof around passing dogs. She still is very alert when she sees another dog and pulls a little bit... but nothing I wouldn't chalk up to being a puppy. She rarely if ever barks unprovoked at another dog unless they are both standing still in the same spot without being allowed to meet. I try to get her around as many dogs as possible (neighborhood, parks, classes).

Thanks for validating my hesitations about the dog park. I really don't want to take her there... but I just moved here this summer so I don't know anyone with a dog well enough to make play dates. None of the dogs in her puppy class would be suitable candidates. I wish she had another GSD or similar breed dog to have a structured play date with... but I don't know of any.

I'll see if I can find a GSD club in Louisville.

[TheActuary]

Jane, how did you find this play group? Or is this something you set up with people you already knew? I'd love to find some people with large breed puppies so she could have a structured play time.

[TheActuary]

PS. Love the picture!!

[onyx'girl]

It was a doggie boutique type shop, they hold puppy playtime and obedience. I just took advantage of a couple sessions of playtime. But your pup is now 5 months so that window is closing....better to get with a GSD club. I think you should have one or two to choose from in your area. Look at SchH clubs, is that of interest to you?

[TheActuary]

It would be of interest to me, but the closest club is out near cincinatti which is a 90 mile drive one way. I do plan on doing AKC obedience and tracking... just can't train the bitework aspect without a club.

[Niya]

Originally Posted by TheActuary

Question about socializing with other dogs:

So my 5 mo. old pup doesn't really get a chance to play with other dogs much. She has seen/sniffed in passing many but doesn't really get to interact much beyond this. There are two other dogs in her puppy class but one is super shy and the other is small... so they never get any off leash play there.

I'm wondering if this is a problem? Does just being around other dogs help to keep her from developing dog aggression or does she need off leash interaction?

Sometimes when we are around another dog that she is not allowed to meet (other owners decision not mine) she will get irritated and start barking/pulling towards them. This is not her initial reaction tho... when she is allowed to meet other dogs she is normally polite for the initial greet and then tries to instigate play (sometimes a bit roughly). The barking normally happens when the other owner starts talking to me from a distance but doesn't allow their dog to come say "hi." I have started just walking off when they don't allow their dog to approach... I feel like it's a waste of time (and irritating to my pup) to stand around talking if they won't let the dogs meet.

I am considering taking her to the dog park... but I really can't decide if it's a good idea or not. I wish I knew some other people with high drive puppies that she could play with.

A dog park is a good idea. I go to the dog park every single day for at least 2 hours. I have a 7 month old female german shepherd who used to be very fearful because she wasn't socialized very well when I got her. I started taking her there when she was 4 months. Some dogs might bully yours or play rough but don't freak the out like those other dog owners do at the dog park. My dog was bullied too but she learned her lesson there. Let your dog learn his lesson and know his place, by the time he gets bigger he'll be the bully (lol jk). My gsd is now VERY WELL socialized with other dogs because of the dog park. Also, I made so many friends that go there everyday like me which made it better. Just look out for your dog and know what is playing rough and fighting. Don't listen to the other people that's saying your gsd is way too young. 4 months is the perfect age to socialize your dog more. I would know all of this because I experienced it. I hope all the best for you!

*no swearing OR pseudoswearing