Anyone Ever Had a Dog That Wouldn't Play With Others? - Page 1

Yep, still trying to make some progress with that Golden doodle I posted about back in December!

Today I turned him out with two male Shiloh shepherds we are boarding. They were very good with him, and were a good  match for him size-wise. He's actually a little bigger and heavier than they are.

Being herding dogs, they just kept him moving. I think he looked like a large wooly sheep to them. He tolerated them nudging him, and licking him, but if one of them would try to mount, he'd bark at them, and air-snap.

Other than that, he gave absolutely NO sign that showed he was aware these were members of his own species. No tail-wag, no play bow, NOTHING!

He tried to get away from them, and sit in the corner closest to the gates, in the hope I would come and bring him inside. If I left him alone with them, he'd start to bark, hoping I'd come and rescue him.

What IS it with this dog? Could this be due to lack of socialization with other dogs? He has been to doggie daycare at PetSmart before, but I don't know if this was when he was a pup, or only recently. He's 5 years old, so I doubt his behaviour is going to change.

Is he showing signs of stress when the other dogs approach him? If not, I don' t think there's anything inappropriate about his behavior. My collie couldn't care less about other dogs, unless she was raised with them. She doesn't tolerate rudeness, and will respond to it, but otherwise she is The Queen Bee and Above All Those Shenanigans. Other dogs are like, so boring. Partially training, partially genetics (probably). I've taught her to focus on me around distractions, and dogs are certainly a distraction and not something I've ever wanted her to focus on. However, I haven't really had to discourage her from paying attention to other dogs...she's never really been that interested. To her, people are where the fun is to be found. She is very well socialized...I had a lot of time on my hands in college. A LOT.

I would also think lack of socialization in the first 8 weeks. Maybe he was the only pup or he got seperated from the litter to early... I don't think that is reversable...

Our mutt could care less about other dogs too. He will play tug with my GSD, but really only if we start it.

I spoke to the owner this evening, and he got the dog at 8 weeks. It was taken to puppy classes and socialized. His obedience is actually pretty good, except for walking on the leash, where he tends to pull.

The owner says he doesn't like large dogs, but the body language I was seeing wasn't fear, just "leave me alone!"

Apparently he's better with smaller dogs, but there's none here for him to play with right now.

Why do people think dogs should get along and play together as children?
This isn't how it works.
The best you could hope for is that in time strange dogs would tolerate each other, the worst, they will never get along and could do great harm to one another if not supervised.
Time will tell.
Keep watch over them at all times.

Some dogs simply don't enjoy playing with others. Just like some people don't think going out with the gang is fun. I have owned more than a few dogs, well socialized, that just aren't into playing with their own kind. My terrier, for example, does not play with other dogs. Ignores other dogs unless they prod him, then he gives a warning "bark!" and walks away. He would much rather play with people, or do his own thing. Dogs don't interest him.

Social behavior has genetic limitations. Some dogs you can lock in the backyard and never another dog. And when they do, they behave with great social skill. Others can be socialized the best way known to man....and still be a weirdo.


I also, do not see why dogs have to make friends with the world. If being buddies with other dogs is not desired by the dog...why do people insist the dog be pals with the world.

Why should he play with other dogs? My ones don`t, I am far to interesting to them. I think trying to make your dogs playing with other dogs will do him more harm than good! Its a myth to believe dogs have to play with other dogs outside there pack, pretty much against their nature, they should ignore them, anyway that`s what my dogs do. Good luck!
All the best
Ulf

THIS IS A DAYCARE DOG. The whole POINT of his being here is for him to play with other dogs, and get tired out!

And no, he won't play with ME either! 

If I leave him outside without me, he barks NONSTOP. This happens whether he is out with other dogs, or out alone.

If I bring him inside, he sits in his cage and mopes.

The only way he gets any exercise is if I walk him on a prong collar (he is over  100 lbs. and PULLS like crazy in a regular collar.)

Since I run this place pretty much singlehanded (can't afford hired help) I don't have time to give him much exercise. Also, while I'm outside with him, there is no one looking after the phones or reception desk!