Socialization question - Page 1

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COGSD

by COGSD on 25 August 2016 - 16:08

Hey everyone. I have a couple of specific instances that have happened with our 7 mo. old male GSD (Bruno) that I wanted opinions about. They're generally related to socialization, which I prefer to define as "neutralization", although I do want my dog to be friendly with people generally (when there is no apparent threat).

Just for background, Bruno has done well with socialization and generally ignores people and dogs when he is with us walking, in stores, etc. Here are the 2 instances I'm trying to figure out.

1. Bruno knows our neighbor (woman), and has gone to her house a few times to play with her dog. Once when she was walking by our front yard (which has a low fence) she tried to give him a treat and he "acted aggressive towards her" (I think barking was the main issue, I didn't see this myself).

2. Bruno is with me and my family at Barnes & Noble (book store). A toddler approaches, and I help her pet Bruno. He does fine with the little girl, but when dad approaches he softly growls at him. (I handled the situation and there was no problem).

I'd like your input on (1) understanding these behaviors and (2) how to correct them (If need be. I understand that people shouldn't be feeding my dog treats, and Bruno is almost always in the back yard, behind a 6' privacy fence).

Thanks.

Q Man

by Q Man on 25 August 2016 - 19:08

You have to understand it's rather difficult to fully understand what's happening without seeing the dog and the situation...
The backyard/fence situation I think you understand that NO ONE should be offering your dog a snack...Your boy seems as though he's possessive of his yard...If need be put up signs that say "Dog-Do NOT Touch"...
As far as the incident at the store it's hard to know what happened without seeing it but how does your boy react to meeting people who are trying to pet him when he's away from your house/yard?
It seems as though you basically told your boy that the child was OK to pet him...but maybe you didn't do that for the adult...But in any case I would have given a little correction to him if and when he growled...
Remember this is a very young dog and his behavior is still being formed and you have the obligation to help him form it the way you want...just like you'd teach a child what is right or wrong...

~Bob~

COGSD

by COGSD on 25 August 2016 - 20:08

Thanks Bob. Bruno does fine with meeting people away from our house, but I always try to control that interaction (I talk to them first, and then guide the interaction as needed). He has given a quiet growl to a couple of men who tried to greet him to "directly" (reaching toward him with eye contact). That's what happened in situation #2 in my OP; the father came over and started to reach for Bruno directly. I did tell Bruno "no" and gave him a quick jerk on the collar.

I'm glad you mentioned correcting the dog when he does this. I've read that correcting your dog during aggressive behavior can escalate the situation. Bruno is very responsive to me though so I'd be surprised if he didn't respond the way I wanted him to via correction.

Q Man

by Q Man on 26 August 2016 - 00:08

A Correction in that situation can escalate aggression...But...If the Correction is QUICK and just hard enough to change his attitude towards the situation then it's the right thing to do just to let him know that it's "Unwanted"...

If you would "PULL" the dog backwards you can escalate the situation...So be careful and NEVER be afraid to tell someone NO when asked if they can pet your dog...A good way to get out of it is just to say "NO...He's in training"...

But I will tell you something simple you can go on to help in those or like situations is to always let the dog go to them...NEVER have them come to your dog...

Whenever I want to meet a new dog I always wait until the dog comes to me...Don't worry they want to meet new people...they're really curious and if not then they're telling you something...

Remember: Listen to what your dog's telling you...

Hope this helps...

~Bob~

Shawnicus

by Shawnicus on 26 August 2016 - 03:08

What are the goal for the dog ? A pet ? Or working ?

COGSD

by COGSD on 26 August 2016 - 14:08

Shawnicus, although I'm interested in starting in Shutzhund, right now Bruno is a pet only.

Sunsilver

by Sunsilver on 26 August 2016 - 17:08

I agree that your dog may be territorial when it comes to the yard.

The girl in my sig was very protective of my car. When she was outside the car, strangers could come up to her and pet her and give her treats (under my careful supervision, of course). As soon as she was back in the car, if they reached a hand in to say goodbye to her, she would bare her teeth and growl. If they didn't heed the warning, they were liable to get bitten. (Though it was usually just a warning nip, which didn't break the skin.)

by Nans gsd on 26 August 2016 - 17:08

And I like to always presume that people do not know how to meet or greet an animal, I really feel while a puppy is in training and working most of the time you just have to say NO to people and you are also protecting your dog. Say "NO" he/she is working right now and has to concentrate on the last command I gave him. Then they get it most of the time.

Enjoy every moment with your puppy as before you know it he will be an adult. Goes so fast... Good Luck Nan

Shawnicus

by Shawnicus on 26 August 2016 - 19:08

I hate a whore ( in a sense that dog wants to greet anyone and everyone ) I personally allow that type of stuff between the age of 6 to 12 weeks then it stops , dog is never allowed to be petted by anyon( except people in its life) fed etc or socialize with other dogs outside of his own pack. even that's kept to a minimal untill the puppy is at least 8 months old and has formed a bond with me and somewhat of an character of his own. Don't be shy to tell people not to pet your puppy .
The goal is to create a dog that's neutral to people and other dogs and you're his/her everything. Stay away from dog parks, and group obedience classes.

puppy must be environmentally socialized extensively ( cars , trucks , different floors , noises , farm animals , gun shots etc)


COGSD

by COGSD on 29 August 2016 - 20:08

Thanks for the advice everyone! I appreciate it.





 


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