Afraid to socialize... - Page 3

Thanks for the comment HELD-

I dont feel that I was being stupid because this guy petted my dog.  I didnt know he was going to pet my dog.  my dog sniffed him and then he thought it would be ok to pet the top of his head. There was no warning that he was going to lunge forward and bite this guys hand.  My husband had a hold of his leash at that moment and corrected him and we made sure the guy was ok...which he said he was and said it was his fault and that he shouldnt of reached down like that.
Usually when we are out he is close to my side and when anyone passes close to us on the side walk I have him " sit and wait"  when they pass then we proceed on.
My husband had warned the guy earlier in the day that my dog dosnt like strangers and that he would probably bark at him. 
My main reason for this thread was I was wondering if I should muzzle him while socializing,  I did get some really good tips from people on here and I really appreciate it.  

The only puppy classes is the one at petco and I dont like their clicker technique.   I did call a trainer and we may go in that direction.. its just very expensive to get started with that one.   If anyone knows of a reasonable trainer in the sacramento, roseville area please pm me,


Thank you everyone for your help in this matter.

i hit something and message was submitted.as i was about to say,as my buddy Ed Frawley says please tell me what obedience excersize would you teach real agressive dog to stop agression. have a nice one.

Held you are truely having a bad day aren't you.

dozier,
Muzzling isn't socializing.   You said the dogs been around family and friends, and you said the dog was given a correction.
Some people will just set a dog off.  Something in their heart, what do you know about the guy.
Some dogs are insecure about being touched in certain instances, I've been bitten at the vets trying to pet some furball lap dog. 
Some dogs are not stable period, not saying thats your problem but its out there.
Set up situations with people who know whats going on and work the dog through it.  Maybe even the guy who got bit.
At least you can find out more about the why of it.
I'm sure you can do this safely with a little help, just be careful until you have figured this out.
Moons.

Held,
This real aggressive dog your talking about would not be someones pet, or shouldn't be lets say that.
Dogs like that have a purpose in the hands of a professional yes.
Personally I wouldn't own a dog as you decribe.
Again I see your point.    I just know thats not what most people have dogs for.
Moons.

Many dogs wont "accept" petting on the head, have the guy try scratching the dogs chin instead. When I aproach a new dog I have never petted, I'll stick my hand about a foot away from their nose and let the dog come the rest of the way to me.

Held, you're pretty hostile without knowing a thing about my experience. I guess the dozens and dozens of aggressive dogs of all breeds, all ages, that I have trained over the years does not "educate" me on aggression. Just because you have never seen agression resolved via obedience certainly does not mean it can't be done, unless, of course, you know everything there is to know about all types of dog training.


July said: Some dogs just don't like being pet by stangers..I can understand that but if you ask him to stand his ground and being pet..he should accept the command.

Absolutely correct. Command = obedience. And muzzling the dog will not fix it, it will allow the owner to be able to work the dog in close proximity to people without endangering anyone. When a dog is ready, the muzzle comes off. 

wdozier: best of luck with your puppy.