Doesn't Like Other Dogs Now??
Appa's slightly anti-social behavior with other dogs seems to be getting worse--she almost got in a fight with a dog at the dog park last week (i usually have to take her when there are only smaller dogs than here in there or no dogs..and a bigger one came while we were there and ran up to her, baying--big no-no for approaching Appa). I had her trainer come over about a month ago and she said it's probably just her personality and if she doesn't enjoy the dog park, don't take her there. She said that otherwise, progress/maintenance of her training is wonderful and she's very well behaved--all true...when we're at home...
If I take her over to my friend's house--who has two dogs--she goes NUTS. These are the only two dogs she really likes to play with (smaller than her) but she puts her bossy pants on right away and barks like you wouldn't believe. Uncontrollably and SO loud. I know she's playing but it's too much--it annoys my friend's roommate and probably the neighbors when we're outside...and me. I don't know what to do about that? I've considered a shock collar but...I don't want to be cruel--she's a dog, they bark. So I've had to stop taking her because I don't want to annoy my friend and her roommate.
Those are the only dogs she really likes. So now...what do I do? I already can't take her to the dog park because she doesn't get along with the dogs there snapping and snarling at them...now her excited behavior makes it unbearable to take her to play with dogs she does like.
I'm worried about her. :-/ I don't want her to not have interaction with other dogs.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Beth on
-
Honestly, dogs don't need to play with other dogs and some dogs don't like to. If she does not enjoy it (and it sounds like she does not) I would just skip the dog park.
Dog parks are a new thing. Many generations of dogs lived very happily with just their own families for company. There are some dogs who really enjoy playing with other dogs, but many dogs no longer enjoy it after they grow out of puppyhood.
-
Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
-
My Izzy does not enjoy alot of interaction with other dogs. A few sniffs and she is done, preferring to be left alone. If I go to a dog park, my other dog loves them, I keep Izzy leashed and with me. If she snarls or barks at another dog, I give the leash a tug and say no. I ,also, do not subject her to unwanted attention by the strange dogs. If one gets too interested in her I will remove Izzy if I am unable to get the stranger interested in something else. I am not sure that dog parks are a great place for most dogs since there are sooooo many poorly trained dogs there. I only take mine if a park isn't too busy.
-
Permalink Reply by Appa and Iroh on
-
Thanks for the replies you two. I guess I just hear all the time about dogs "needing to be socialized" and such. But Beth, you made a good point about dogs doing just fine for generations without dog parks, etc. I mean...my childhood dog never encountered many dogs as we lived in a rural area and she kept to our yard and she lived to an old age and was happy healthy and fine. I guess I don't need to freak out so much about Appa, hah. Just want what's best for her.
Thanks again!
-
Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on
-
Dogs absolutely need to be socialized, the problem is with how "socialized" gets interpreted! Socialized means the dog is social, meaning friendly, towards people ( all sizes, shapes, ages and colors ) and is accustomed to all different kinds of normal situations and public settings. It also means it is well behaved in the presence of other, leashed dogs, or passing a dog behind a fence, or in a car and so forth. It does NOT mean that the dog has to be friendly or playful towards other loose dogs. Indeed this is contrary to the nature of many breeds, especially as adults. Some dogs are fine with other dogs, I happen to have a Corgi like that and it's a pleasure, but that is just his individual personality and has nothing to do with socialization. I would do what you are already doing: avoid the dog parks and don't take your dog to your friend's house where she makes a nuisance of herself. The only thing I would do different is that I would accept this as normal. Keep up her training and exposure to public settings. Obedience classes are good for the controlled exposure to other dogs. Lunging and barking are unacceptable.
-
-
Thanks Anna. Appa is very social with people--she loves everyone, especially kids. And she's fine with other dogs when we go on walks/pass them. She goes with me lots of places walking or in the car and she's healthy and very well taken care of (aka: spoiled rotten). So I guess like I said, I just need to stop freaking out about her. Thanks for the input, it's appreciated!
-
Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
-
Personally I am afraid to take mine to dog parks...Livvy my headstrong female would have a problem I believe. Maybe you could just go for walks with a friend who has a dog?
To me the more important thing is that she gets along well with people/kids. I have to accept the fact that Livvy would rather LOVE people and get along with them than dogs...which is ok!
As for classes I strongly recommend for you 2 to have fun but I doubt that she will overcome this...Livvy has not!
-
-
Thanks Jane. And yes, the last few times I've been to the dog park...the dogs there aren't very well behaved. I don't know that I can really blame Appa for being grouchy towards them. Lol, I guess it shouldn't shock me so much that she doesn't like dogs that much--she takes after me I guess--I sometimes like dogs more than people (guess that's why I am a groomer) so maybe it's not so crazy after all. ;)
Rescue Store
Stay Connected
FDA Recall
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Recall
Groups
We support...
Badge
© 2024 Created by Sam Tsang.
Powered by
