[imroc]

Hey guys! Just a lil quick question. I've been trying to introduce Rambo to just about everybody who ever comes around, whether regularly or rarely. He's doing well meeting people, but for some reason there's a few men that he's a bit shy or even afraid of. I don't want to force him to face these guys but I don't want him being afraid to the point that when approached that he becomes defensive. I'm really at a loss with this issue.

Case in point: Yesterday, my freind Matt came by and I took the opportunity to have Rambo socialize with him. Rambo was a bit shy and kept about 10 yd difference. So Matt kneeled and offered him a treat, but Rambo kept his ground and distance and began barking. I picked Rambo up, which is a rare thing and he hugged onto me. Matt offered him a treat and Rambo took it, but when he finished his treat he tried to nip Matt. I thought enough was enough, so Matt and I went about our business measuring up the garage for a future project. We re-entered the house and Rambo kept his distance and we left. I'm sure this is normal, but was just wondering if it's simply a case of Matt just needing to come around more and ignore Rambo til he's comfortable. If this is so, what to do about those rare visitors?


OOOPS! Sorry, I just realized there's already a 'Socializing' sub-forum and I apologize for posting this in the wrong area.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ZAYDA]

Fist off how old is Sir Rambo?
2nd, You really don't introduce your puppy to everyone what you really want to do is socialize him. To socialize a puppy you need to take them on walks, and you need to bring them places with you so they can experience loud noises, moving cars, other dogs, which will enable your puppy to trust that such things are not to be feared.

 

[DonP]

I want my dog to tolerate people. I don't really want every stranger she meets to pet her and give her treats. Indifference is just fine by me.

 

[imroc]

Rambo is about 3 mos old now. He does go out walks and such as well. I haven't done the trip to Walmart yet and he won't usually deal with too much loud noise unless we go out by the highway, because we live in a small rural town.

I'm glad you like the indifference. I'm happy with that answer

 

[KZoppa]

walmart?! They dont allow pets.

2nd.... 3 months old, you shouldnt force him to be friends with your friends. you friend probably moves in a more intimidating manner. Ignore and dont coddle him. Dont pick him up or sooth when he's reacting badly to a friend. It will only encourage the behavior towards that person.

With my dogs, i would prefer they were more aloof, even with my friends but they're overly friendly which bugs me and makes me not trust them to behave appropriately should anything happen. Someone could break in and Riley would welcome them with open paws and full body wiggles. Shelby would run and hide and Shasta would probably welcome them too but she's only 7 months old. Zena on the other hand would rip someone's arm off if they came in uninvited.

 

[imroc]

wasn't meaning to take him IN to walmart, just to hang out by the doors and see other people going about their business. Something I read on a gsd breeder's info page