[extremegiants]

What is the best way to introduce younger dogs that are barking at each other? Sasha is still being socialized, and it's taking a little longer than I thought, hehe. I know part of it has to do with different sizes and types, but how do you properly introduce them to each other? She has no problems with smaller, short haired dogs, we have a Min Pin as well, but when she sees other types, such as cocker spaniels, or bulldogs, she starts barking.

I think she is more nervous and curious than anything, and she isn't too bad when we actually get closer so they can sniff each other. A few seconds later, she'll begin barking again, almost still unsure. Of course, the other puppies are barking as well.

Should I just stand there and let them feel each other out? She's almost 3 months old now.

 

[doggiedad]

it's time for puppy classes. i think exposure to as many dogs as possible. dog parks. can you get together with some friends with dogs. go to the Pet store and hang out there's lots of dogs there. socializing, socializing and more socializing. good luck.

 

[big_dog7777]

Originally Posted By: doggiedadit's time for puppy classes. i think exposure to as many dogs as possible. dog parks. can you get together with some friends with dogs. go to the Pet store and hang out there's lots of dogs there. socializing, socializing and more socializing. good luck.

I agree with everything above except taking a 3 month old puppy to a dog park. BAD IDEA. HORRIBLE IDEA. CATASTROPHIC IDEA. Sorry, had to stress how much I hate that idea. All it takes is one aggressive dog at a dog park with an idiotic owner and you could end up with a dog aggressive dog for the rest of his life. Friends with dogs are the best after puppy class.

 

[GSD07]

I wouldn't go to a pet store either before the puppy got all the shots.

 

[extremegiants]

Thanks. I was talking to a friend of mine who has 2 pit bull terriers and a huskey, and he's going to help out on neutral ground. I'm not big on dog parks myself, I don't really trust owners' dogs that I haven't met. ( no offense everyone!)
Going back to my question, what is the "proper" way to introduce dogs to each other at this age? Should I let Sasha bark until she feels comfortable with them? I want to do this right!

 

[onyx'girl]

The best way IMO is to have a dog with a very steady temperament to start with~ sniff and possibly playtime. Dogs do understand who is stable and who is not... Take Sasha to a good training class, and you should be the one in control at all times. Don't let the trainer handle her, or reprimand her. Show your pup that you are the one to protect her, not the other way around. I wouldn't let her bark at other dogs ~but redirect her attention back to you with treats or a toy that is very valuable to her. Make everything happy and pleasant for her. Pups go thru stages of fear, aggression and other issues, just let Sasha know that you are there to be her pack leader, and she should adjust to most environments, situations with your guidance. I am learning this the hard way, I let the trainer handle my pup and did things in such a way that hindsight is 20/20! Praise all the good things and ignore the negative. And remember to exercise her as much as possible while she is getting socialization at the same time. Tired dog= happy dog!

 

[extremegiants]

Redirect. Got it, that's what I was looking for. My friends dogs are stable, so I don't think it will be a problem. I will just keep doing it until she gets used to other dogs, and hopefully she'll grow out of it.