How to find some kind of dog boot camp for my dog? - Page 2

[CanBoo]

I had a retriever/shepherd X. We had her from 6 weeks to her passing at 9.5 years.

Because she had to be adopted early (unhealthy mom and overfilled shelter could not keep puppies together any longer), she never got the benefit of getting socialized long enough with her litter mates. We tried to keep her socialized with other dogs, but it was never enough to catch up on those missed weeks with her siblings. As a result; past the puppy hood stage, she was not nice with other dogs. A lot like what you described. She also had not learned to inhibit biting properly, so even when she did want to play nicely with other dogs, her play bite was too hard and a fight would ensue. However, in time, she calmed down and it became more manageable.

We knew it was worse on a lead because she wanted to protect us. So having a strong recall was a savior. She did better off leash. We learned to recognize the signs that she was getting more aroused. We constantly watched her and called her back before she started scrapping around with another dog.

When she wasn't in a calm mind state to start, I simply learned to tell people to leash their dogs and stay away because mine wasn't friendly.

And we had to be extra vigilant when the kids were around because she wanted to protect them.

[Mama Soltera]

You hit the nail on the head. He was also a rescue from an over-crowded and high-kill shelter. They took the puppies away from mom very early and I had him and not quite six weeks. I will never make that mistake again (I never knew the consequences until a few years ago). It's too bad to hear that socializing didn't really work out. Thanks for sharing your story.

[CanBoo]

I still miss that dog so bad though. For the same reason she wasn't so nice with other dogs, she was extremely bonded to us. :( We were her mama for life.

[lexapurple]

My cocker is similar in behavior to your dog. he was not allowed to play with other dogs because he was raised as a shw prospect and his breeder was concerned about his coat condition. He is fine with dogs who are mellow and respectfull but will get in full blown fight pretty much without warning if other dog gets in his space or acts stupid. There really no way to socialize out of it. dogs who are like that are only safe arund other dogs with super close supervision or dogs that get along well. Owner who is worried is not helping the situation ether. 

Working with regular reputable trainer can help you. If he is 100% obedient and stays still on command, that is something you can use while you explai other owners that you dog is not frienly, and no, he doesn't want to play. 

[Mama Soltera]

I thought I'd post an update. So, we are wanting to go visit relatives for a couple of days for Thanksgiving and I was stressing about the dog. I talked to a pet resort about how he's not well socialized and they said they would still take him, he just might to have to be in a play area alone during the day if he can't get along. When I went for his trial run today they were really supportive and said that it's natural for dogs to be together and he'll probably just have to adjust. They sounded like they don't just kick dogs out for the slightest anti-social behavior and I really liked their philosophy. Well, they took him out right away and within minutes had him with all the other big dogs and they said he was doing well. They are letting me leave him there all day and they have a live webcam they encouraged me to check. Well, he's been there for a long time now and he's doing great! So, I guess doggy daycare/doggy boarding was really all we needed to socialize him after all! I'm so excited. Thanks again for all your help and I'm sure the lady at that in home dog training/boarding place would feel pretty silly when she realized how not of a problem he really is. It's not her fault. I'm sure a lot of people downplay their dog's issues and I was being very honest about them. So she probably thought it was much, much worse than I was saying.