Just looking for a bit of advice.
I have a 16 week old Cocker. At present he's scared of other dogs, when larger dogs come to say hello he yelps and hides behind my legs. Even when smaller dogs and other pups come to investigate he''ll try to get away.
Any advice on how to effectively socialize him and make him more confidant around other dogs would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Scared of other dogs
Re: Scared of other dogs
What do you do when he exhibits fear? And you say "he'll try to get away" are you forcing the issue with him on a lead?
Rascal
Rascal
General Dogsbody
Re: Scared of other dogs
I speak to him and let him know he's alright. I don't force the issue, as I don't want to make matters worse. When he's off the lead he'll just stop, and not really know what to do, so I'll keep walking and call him and he'll walk around the other dog, leaving a huge gap.
When I say try to get away, I mean he'll try and move away from the dog faster than I'm walking.
When I say try to get away, I mean he'll try and move away from the dog faster than I'm walking.
Re: Scared of other dogs
Hi Rydo,
Firstly don't reassure him when he shows fear you are simply reinforcing his fear....and his reaction to other dogs....
Do you have a friend with a dog or even a pup with a good placid temperament? If so let them meet off lead in the garden or a decent sized safe enclosed space....Ignore the pup have a chat with your mate in the garden with them but totally ignore the pup even if he wiggles and squirms around your legs. It might take several short sessions don't force the issue just leave them to get on with it and hopefully the pup will learn that other dogs are ok.
Out of interest what age did you get him as a pup?
Rascal
Firstly don't reassure him when he shows fear you are simply reinforcing his fear....and his reaction to other dogs....
Do you have a friend with a dog or even a pup with a good placid temperament? If so let them meet off lead in the garden or a decent sized safe enclosed space....Ignore the pup have a chat with your mate in the garden with them but totally ignore the pup even if he wiggles and squirms around your legs. It might take several short sessions don't force the issue just leave them to get on with it and hopefully the pup will learn that other dogs are ok.
Out of interest what age did you get him as a pup?
Rascal
General Dogsbody
Re: Scared of other dogs
Thanks for that, I'll give it a try.
He was 3 months old.
Rydo
He was 3 months old.
Rydo
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KrisD
Re: Scared of other dogs
I have a similar problem.
My 5 month GSP pup was surrounded by 3 large aggressive dogs a few weeks ago, tail between his legs and quite scared - my other half chased them but I think its left an impression. Any time there is a larger dogs near he's on edge, ready for a confrontation. Similar size dogs or smaller and he's relaxed and ready to play.
I've got him at dog school on Sunday's (started last week), he's mixing with some german shephards and a husky and any time there's a repeat there's a correction. Trainer picked up on it as soon as we walked in even told me he'd been bullied in the past. Would anyone have alternative suggestions or is this what you'd expect?
My 5 month GSP pup was surrounded by 3 large aggressive dogs a few weeks ago, tail between his legs and quite scared - my other half chased them but I think its left an impression. Any time there is a larger dogs near he's on edge, ready for a confrontation. Similar size dogs or smaller and he's relaxed and ready to play.
I've got him at dog school on Sunday's (started last week), he's mixing with some german shephards and a husky and any time there's a repeat there's a correction. Trainer picked up on it as soon as we walked in even told me he'd been bullied in the past. Would anyone have alternative suggestions or is this what you'd expect?
Re: Scared of other dogs
Hi KrisD,
Are you training this dog for Gundog work
as this forum is aimed at Gundog related training. I'm guessing not in view of your post last night wishing to re-home him (which was removed by the admin team) that and given the breeds of the other dogs at your training session...
Without wishing to seem unfriendly, you might find that this forum may suit your needs better...http://www.petforums.co.uk/dog-training-behaviour/
Rascal
Are you training this dog for Gundog work
as this forum is aimed at Gundog related training. I'm guessing not in view of your post last night wishing to re-home him (which was removed by the admin team) that and given the breeds of the other dogs at your training session...Without wishing to seem unfriendly, you might find that this forum may suit your needs better...http://www.petforums.co.uk/dog-training-behaviour/
Rascal
General Dogsbody
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KrisD
Re: Scared of other dogs
Thanks Rascal - I'm not training him for gundog work. I've been lurking on here as I saw plenty of information on the breed but I'll have a look on that forum too.
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Springfield Pointers
- Member
- Posts: 4588
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2012 10:27 am
Re: Scared of other dogs
Firstly, ignore his reaction of fear when he hides behind you. You are only encouraging it. Secondly, take him out with some (or one) other dog and let them hunt or chase some game. He needs to see his outings as excitement, and other dogs as creatures to have fun with. Out of interest, has he ever been attacked by another dog, or have you shielded him purposefully from other dogs because you felt he would be hurt?
Re: Scared of other dogs
Well its been a while since my original post.
The pups nearly 6 months now. He's still nervous around other dogs, however he does now show interest in other dogs but as soon as they return the interest he backs off. He hasn't had any negative experiences with other dogs. We were out a walk recently and he was off the lead, and an overly excited ESS appeared from nowhere and wanted to play, and he was off. I had to run about half a mile back from where we had came to find him, thankfully he had stopped running and was waiting.
I am just trying to socialise him as much as possible. As he's been getting older he has been growing in confidence, so hopefully he'll grow out of hit with a bit of help.
The pups nearly 6 months now. He's still nervous around other dogs, however he does now show interest in other dogs but as soon as they return the interest he backs off. He hasn't had any negative experiences with other dogs. We were out a walk recently and he was off the lead, and an overly excited ESS appeared from nowhere and wanted to play, and he was off. I had to run about half a mile back from where we had came to find him, thankfully he had stopped running and was waiting.
I am just trying to socialise him as much as possible. As he's been getting older he has been growing in confidence, so hopefully he'll grow out of hit with a bit of help.