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Socialisation classes for adult dogs?

  • 12-02-2013 9:21pm
    #1
    Jen Pigs Fly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,770 ✭✭✭


    I got my second dog from dogs trust 3 weeks ago last Saturday. He is a 1 and a half year old black lab cross. He was severely underweight when we got him, he was 25.8kg 3 weeks ago now he's nearing 33kg due to feeding a brilliant quality puppy food. Dogs trust are thrilled with his progress weight wise.

    I do Have a big problem with him though.

    He was neutered jan 17th of this year and I think this may be closely connected to what's wrong. He's very dog orientated. He was adopted out to us as dog friendly, but this is not the case at all. He growls at other dogs, barks and snaps especially in close range. He is grand with my older lab x. What I'm doing now is if I see a dog while walking him i try to get out of their way and keep his attention on me, but for 5/10 mins after we've seen another dog he is still looking back, no attention on me and keeps jumping and pulling. Treats don't even work some times and he loves his food.

    He is very strong on the lead, I've used the haltee harness and a gentle leader, I've found the gentle leader to be effective with him over the haltee. This strength which I can control and am currently teaching to not pull is overpowering whenever we see a dog even in the distance. He gets so worked up and nothing can pull his attention away.

    My older lab x is wary of other dogs but she's normally grand she picks up n his energy when out which makes her react to other dogs too when she normally wounldnt (she comes into work with me, I work in a pet shop) i now walk the dogs separately to avoid her picking up the aggression and for one on one lead training for him.

    So the point of this essay is does anywhere do adult dog socialisation classes? I do think he would benefit from it, there is no way he can go to a beach, forest, even a park while he's like this he's just Too strong and aggressive when he sees other dogs. It's not fair on him especially if I bring my other dog to the beach and can't bring him.


Comments

  • #2
    ISDW
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,378 ✭✭✭ISDW


    I'd suggest that you contact Dogs Trust, they possibly run classes, or if not, they can give you advice and may know where you can go.


  • #3
    DBB
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 9,790 Mod ✭✭✭✭DBB


    It sounds like classes aren't the right place for your new dog just yet, OP.
    If he's that uncomfortable around them, bringing him to classes would be like a nightmare for him!
    That's not to say you can't eventually go to classes, but you've a bit of work to do with him between now and then.
    But this is all reliant on you doing the right sort of work between now and then, and this will involve getting some professional help. You're along the right tracks trying to give him treats, but as you've discovered, when there's another dog about, food plummets down his list of priorities and as a result, the food is no longer working as a reinforcer, at that moment.
    Would you think about getting someone in to help? Someone properly qualified now, because there are a lot of cowboys out there whose outdated techniques tend to do more harm than good.


  • #4
    Jen Pigs Fly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,770 ✭✭✭Jen Pigs Fly


    DBB wrote: »
    It sounds like classes aren't the right place for your new dog just yet, OP.
    If he's that uncomfortable around them, bringing him to classes would be like a nightmare for him!
    That's not to say you can't eventually go to classes, but you've a bit of work to do with him between now and then.
    But this is all reliant on you doing the right sort of work between now and then, and this will involve getting some professional help. You're along the right tracks trying to give him treats, but as you've discovered, when there's another dog about, food plummets down his list of priorities and as a result, the food is no longer working as a reinforcer, at that moment.
    Would you think about getting someone in to help? Someone properly qualified now, because there are a lot of cowboys out there whose outdated techniques tend to do more harm than good.

    I have actually looked into getting a bit of help from a trainer, thought socialisation was my first point of call but I can see now you're right, ill try make arrangements to get professional help ASAP. I need to nip this in the bud before it becomes a real problem :)


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