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Comment by Cindi on November 12, 2009 at 11:59am

When dealing with dogs who have socialization issues, as long as they are simply afraid and not dangerous, I usually suggest that my clients come into the store when it's not slamming busy, set up a chair, and introduce their dog to other people and dogs as they come into the store. We grab some treats and every time the dog has a good experience, we reinforce it. If we see someone come in whose dog is not safe, I suggest they not meet. The scaredy-dog starts to get the idea. I've done this with a number of dogs with good results.

I wouldn't use dog parks, etc. for re-training socialization. Too many out of control dogs. Also, you cannot protect your dog. They must learn. It's easy to try to keep them from overreacting. But sometimes that's what is needed for them to get the idea.

It's good to see you are willing to work with your dog instead of just putting her in a shelter. So many shelter dogs are there because they weren't properly socialized and have "issues." Good for you! Find a really good trainer in your area. If it's a PetSmart or PetCo, set up a consultation and find out their experience and training before working with them. I'm a PetSmart trainer who's associated with APDT, and have years of experience. Some others, not so much. You have to be a smart consumer!

But you will do well with the right help and the right contacts for Bella! Do drop me a message if I can help you.

Comment by Bev Levy on November 12, 2009 at 9:45am

Joanna, That made me laugh!! You are getting good advice here so I won't add more except to say she can still become more confident around other dogs. Classes are a great non-threatening way to help.

Comment by Joanna Kimball on November 12, 2009 at 5:14am

Oh, and I think there's very little science to support delaying socialization until shots are over. Just socialize with puppies you know are also vaccinated, or healthy adult dogs. The only places you should avoid are where you could encounter diseased poop or fluids - dog parks, dog beaches, heavily trafficked sidewalks, etc. The yard of a friend who has healthy dogs is very, very safe.

Comment by Joanna Kimball on November 12, 2009 at 5:13am

Puppy socialization is by far the easiest way to expose dogs to other dogs, but it's not like an older dog is ruined for life. It just takes a lot more effort and patience.

By "aggressive," do you mean that she comes into the room bristling, head and tail up, and jumps every dog she sees? Or do you mean that she comes in and hides, and when dogs come near her she leaps forward and bites at them? The latter (which I suspect is what you are talking about) is the normal "please stay away from me because I do not trust you" behavior of a dog who perceives other dogs as menacing. I really don't like the term "fear aggression" because it makes the whole thing some kind of disease or defect. She's AFRAID. She's a normal dog who's afraid, and it's probably because she doesn't speak dog very well. To her, they're all running around yelling "Rutabaga! Pastrami! Aliens!" when they are actually saying "Come play; we're having a wonderful time!"

The puppy socialization window is like when babies learn to talk; if they miss it it's a LOT harder to learn later. But it's not impossible. So the question becomes how to help her feel less afraid, and teach her how to speak dog better. Usually the very best thing you can do is find a healthy, happy, well-trained group of dogs and let them all run around together and have fun. As she learns how to speak to them, she will become better able to speak to other dogs, which makes her more confident in social interactions.

Comment by Sunni A. on November 12, 2009 at 3:28am

Do you know anyone, strangers or friends, that have a really gentle and casual dog (& multiple people would be better) that you can stage repeated dates with? It sounds to me like Bella needs some confidence, and she might have lost out on learning pecking order, so that she knows that the presence of other dogs do not threaten her position or safety. My Eddy is constantly the bottom rung of the ladder, and even gets physically hurt sometimes because he is so submissive, but it does not inhibit his confidence or friendliness. It helps dogs so much when they simply learn their place. When dogs can see themselves in other dogs' eyes, in other words.

Comment by Beth on November 11, 2009 at 9:49pm

I am so sorry you are having this problem. I know some recommend no outside activities til all shots are complete, and it's true there is some risk to taking a dog with only partial vaccinations out. That said, most experts I've read have said the crucial socialization window closes at 16 weeks. More dogs are put down due to behavioral problems than die of parvo each year, by far.

I had two breeders and a vet tell me it's ok to start taking a dog out and about to places where other vaccinated dogs are about 10 days after the SECOND set of shots. Our pup had his second set of shots at 10 weeks, so we spent weeks 11 through 16 making sure we exposed him to kids, dogs, car trips, different walking surfaces, streams, woods, etc.

However, what'd been done is already done and there is no going back to change it. So, now you have a dog who is displaying what you describe as fear aggression. Dogs can learn to behave better with other dogs. You might want to try another trainer, one who uses positive reinforcement and can teach you to at best work with Bella to get her more comfortable around other dogs, and if that is not successful how to manage the situation so you and she can have a happy life together. Remember, dogs do not need to play with other dogs to be happy. Dogs that love other dogs may be happier if given opportunities to play, but there are plenty of dogs out there who are perfectly happy never interacting with another dog at all. My parents have a Chessie who does not like other dogs and has a very full and active life, even living in a neighborhood where she sees dogs constantly, as she was simply trained to ignore other dogs and focus on her handler.

Others may be able to give you advice on things you can do, but it's beyond my experience level to help you with a dog who is exhibiting aggression towards other dogs. But there are plenty of trainers out there who can help you deal with such things, so if you are not happy with the one you have, ask your vet or some breeders in the area for a referral. A couple more expensive private sessions with a behaviorist who is experienced with this will be cheaper in the long run than a dozen group classes with someone who isn't helping you with your problem.

Good luck with Bella!