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We took Lucky to a very busy people park over the weekend. The trip involved a fairly long car trip. When we arrived, we put on Lucky's harness and walked her normally. I tried to keep her attention on us and give her simple obedience commands and her favorite treats. It didn't matter. She was a nut. She pulled like never before on the leash and she barked at many people and dogs.
She's been around people and pups through walks, neighbors, and puppy obedience class as well as through "yappy hour" which is a socialization hour held by our trainer weekly. I also take her with us in the car when we go places and we'll bring her to public places where she's welcome. However, she's never been around such a huge crowd of people.
So...will she outgrow this or have we failed her on the socialization? I kind of feel like we just need to expose her to crowds more often to get her used to lots of people but I'd like to know what else I can do so we can make her well-mannered in public. Is just taking her around crowds frequently going to solve her problem?
For background, she's generally a pretty good pup. She doesn't seem fearful usually, although it's totally understandable that such a big crowd would freak her out when she's never been around so many people. However, there were so many pleasant pups walking with their owners it was embarrassing and frustrating to be wrestling with our girl.
I want to be able to hang out with our girl wherever we are headed. Am I expecting too much?
Any advice welcome. Thanks!
She's been around people and pups through walks, neighbors, and puppy obedience class as well as through "yappy hour" which is a socialization hour held by our trainer weekly. I also take her with us in the car when we go places and we'll bring her to public places where she's welcome. However, she's never been around such a huge crowd of people.
So...will she outgrow this or have we failed her on the socialization? I kind of feel like we just need to expose her to crowds more often to get her used to lots of people but I'd like to know what else I can do so we can make her well-mannered in public. Is just taking her around crowds frequently going to solve her problem?
For background, she's generally a pretty good pup. She doesn't seem fearful usually, although it's totally understandable that such a big crowd would freak her out when she's never been around so many people. However, there were so many pleasant pups walking with their owners it was embarrassing and frustrating to be wrestling with our girl.
I want to be able to hang out with our girl wherever we are headed. Am I expecting too much?
Any advice welcome. Thanks!