[Pegasus]

...both to dogs and humans.

This is REALLY important to us since Snoopy is so terrified of every human around, and we have to keep him on a choke, not b/c he walks bad, but he pulls out of every harness we have owned (and we have a lot!!)...he just freaks out and moves his body in a way to pull out.

Marbles at this point isnt scarred of humans, but I want him to be socialized, I want him to LOVE humans the way Snoopy loves other dogs. How can we do this?

There is a shopping area a few blocks away that is totally dog friendly, you can even take them into some restaurants. We havent taken him there yet, when should we?? ASAP or wait till he is older?

I just dont want to expose him to a 'bad' experience that will make him scared forever of humans...that would totally suk b/c we got a puppy to bring confidence to Snoopy (well the reason we didnt get an adult rescue)

Any advice?

Thanks

 

[Murphys Dad]

Since Marbles is 6 months old already, there is no problem with vaccinations.
I would take him out socializing with who ever is willing to give him the time of day as soon as possible.
The key is to encourage him and praise him on every good step. When he sniffs other dogs and lets them do the same, praise. When he goes to other humans and not jumping on them, praise.
It's important to getting him to different places, scents, noises.... everything gradually.

I got to the point with Chloe that from being a puppy that puts her tails between her legs everytime a new dog approaches her to a puppy that is submissive but very playful with other dogs. With people she never had a problem, but is very instinctive - when someone comes to the apartment and is not letting her sniff him, or doesn't say a thing to her (acknowledging her), she comes to me immediately and watches every move they make. Sometimes even growl a little (until I shush her up).

You should always keep an eye on him when he first interacts with other dogs, since they sometimes get the impression that all dogs are friendly and playful, and won't realise that "danger is near" when a not so friendly dog approaches them.

 

[madison069]

With Dixie i just take her to friends house that have dogs that are healthy, and let them play. This does two things in one, socialize with dogs and people.

She has been doing really good also! of course she sense something with some people and just stays away from them. but most the time she is always ready to greet people with a wet tongue! lol

 

[Virginia's Mom]

Another vote here to get him out and socialized starting today! I would also recommend taking him for obedience training for socialization, to give you a common language, and strengthen his bond with you.

People: Go out of your way to introduce him to people of every size, shape, color, age, and voice pitch. When new people visit your home, arm them with a treat to give Scout (and Snoopy) so he associates new people with good things.

Dogs: When you're out walking and you approach another dog (or they approach you), does he hide behind your legs? Never force him to socialize with another dog, but encourage him. This can make a world of difference. Try "set ups" with friends or neighbors who have friendly dogs. As you approach them, say to Marbles in an upbeat, friendly voice "Look! Here comes Buddy!" so that he believes something good is coming. Then, when he willingly approaches the other dog, give him praise. Over time, this will help.

Also, once you begin obedience training and he learns the commands, you can put him into a sit/stay when a dog approaches.... so you're not forcing him to interact with another dog, but you're redirecting his attention and making him forget his anxiety over something new. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

When we first got Virginia, she was shy and timid of people and other dogs. We worked really hard to take her just about everywhere we went, took her for obedience training, and introduced her to every dog in the neighborhood. 7-1/2 years later, while she's not the world's most outgoing dog, she isn't afraid of new people or new dogs.

 

[ncdogstar]

I believe as long as your pup is past the stage of being at risk before immunizations are complete, it is a great idea to get out and "meet and greet". You are lucky you have a shopping area that accomodates dogs like that! That is a good place to go, along with dog parks, kids' soccer games, rescue events and just about any place that is dog friendly. :thumbup:

 

[Pegasus]

Thanks guys for the advice,...I guess Im a bit nervous b/c Snoopy is SO SO terrified with humans, taht I really want Marbles to trust humans, I dont want him to be in a bad experience.

I will have to walk Marbles alone a lot to the pet friendly mall...Snoopy just freaks out and is too scared to control, even on a choak collar..so i have to let Marbles become comfortable first.

I just feel bad b/c Im leaving Snoopy alone to go socialize Marbles...Snoopy love going outside, as long as there is NO human interaction...

So this is what I have to do, Ill start doing it immediately.

Thanks again guys
Manda

 

[Murphys Dad]

Maybe once you socialize Marbles, and you are confident that he is good and secure enough, you can try gradually introducing Snoopy to the same routine... with a lot of praises and assertiveness on your end, he can pick up a few things from Marbles.... :thumbup:

 

[angelaH]

Our Snoopy still barks at people and dogs that come towards us in the woods. People often think we are mad but I walk ahead and hand strangers treats and request they feed Snoopy and Susi . This always works and our two are soon wagging their tails.
Could you get friends or colleagues to call round and make a pleasant fuss of Marbles and Snoopy?
As far as Marbles and other dogs is concerned, maybe a puppy play group would be good.

 

[Pegasus]

Great suggestions, thanks so much.

We will take them to their first dog park here in Cali tomorrow...Snoopy LOVES the dog park, and there are 4 very close to us, we were wating to go together so one of us can watch Snoopy and the other Marbles (we are not sure what they look like and how big, and I dont want to risk one getting away)

Also, Marbles has been to daycare several times, they LOVE him..he had to start out in a seperate area, but now he is playing with other dogs..this is good, he was really shy at first

Thanks
Amanda