Late socialization?

B

BreeNS

Forums Novice
I adopted Duncan when he was about 6 months old. He lived with his mom, his dad, and one other dog until that point, plus the other puppies until they were adopted. So Duncan does have some experience with other dogs, distantly. Once we adopted him however, I had to wait until he was fixed to sign him up for the dog park, which meant for six months he had no way to get around other dogs, since we don't have any family friends with friendly dogs. By that point, I think any socialization he'd had as a puppy may have been confused. Let me clarify that he did not know how to walk on a leash when we got him. His previous owner had a giant yard the dogs played in together. So training him to use a leash in general took some work, without adding other dogs into the mix.
Now we go to the dog park on off times when it is just us because I don't know if I can trust him off leash around other dogs. On leash he was doing some pulling and light growling around them. He's been getting a lot better about this. However, his body language is still confusing. He will be lightly growling and pulling but his tail will be wagging. I don't know if he is just confused or nervous at the situation, or if he just overly excited.
He's never bared his teeth or curled his lip, so I don't think he'd be too aggressive. The only situations we've had where he has been around another dog who was off leash were accidental when I was walking him. On two separate occasions dogs have gotten out of there yard while we were passing and bounded up to us. The first time he did growl and bark but I think this dog spooked him because he came from behind and I know my reaction was negative because he scared me to which may have exacerbated the situation. The second time he moved forward and barked at first but then at command he backed up and they left each other alone.

I'm sorry to write such a long post, just trying to give as much information as possible. With this information, does anyone have any opinions or thoughts on whether Duncan seems like he could still be socialized? I don't want to force him to do anything he is uncomfortable with but when we get to the dog park and other dogs are there, we will wait outside for them to finish, and he will look in eagerly as if he wants to play. If anyone has tips, I'd gladly take them. I know Shelties are generally supposed to be dog friendly. I also know they generally bark a ton, so I don't know if I should be worried if he barks at other dogs. I mean, he barks when I get home while doing his little happy jumping.

Thanks in advance
-- very confused sheltie mom
 
You can certainly still socialize him now, it may just take a bit longer. I've had adult dogs with little socialization when they came to me and they do benefit from being socialized, and eventually adapt. I would not do the dog park right away though; start slowly. I'd enroll him in a class if there's a facility nearby that you can use. Basic obedience is a good place to begin. It puts you in a controlled group of other dogs that isn't a free-for-all, like a dog park.

Other than that, take him with you whenever you can to stores, and on walks in more heavily traveled places like a main street where other people walk their dogs. Take your time and reward him with yummy treats along the way so he realizes being around other dogs and people is a good thing. And make it fun for both of you!
 
I second the motion not to do dog parks. If you are trying to socialize him at a later age, you already have one strike against you (not that it's impossible, but it is much harder and may not be as effective). You can't afford to have a setback of an inappropriate or even aggressive dog coming up to him and scaring him.
 
Dixie was about 10 months old when I got her- some socialization but nothing like what Cranberry got from 8 weeks on. I was already in a dog club and had the other two shelties (Callie and Cran). Dixie had some issues with noise and motion reactivity and having a non-reactive dog to follow was the best thing for her. since the other two didn't care about a lot of stuff that set her off, she eventually decided that it wasn't a big deal for her either. we didn't have a dog park initially so it wasn't even a question for us and now that we do have one, we go occasionally but aren't regulars......
Actually meeting other dogs- on leash or off- wasn't that big a deal for her. she'll say hi but she's more people focused.:smile2:
 
Because Shelties is a very sensitive breed and your fur kid first now have to experience the huge world, it requires great patience / love at a steady pace - then you will see that there will be small advances.

I would also keep me far away from dog parks.

Just the fact that your little Duncan must create full trust to you will take time, but it's a very important thing before Duncan can have confidence in new things.

Here are just a link to my favorite article about Shelties http://sheltieforums.com/threads/are-shelties-for-everyone.22964/
 
If you're talking about socialising with other dogs, sounds to me like he already has been if he's been around other dogs at the breeders. Remember as dogs get older they sort of lose interest in hanging around with other strange dogs. By choice they'll have a sniff and tail wag for a minute or two and then go on their way. In fact if you walk your neighbourhood at the same time each day you'll probably come across the same dogs and he'll probably strike up a 'friendship'.

I fourth the suggestion of avoiding dog parks, you have absolutely no control over the other dogs at the park - who are off lead and often poorly supervised. Also if Duncan's an adolescent he may be targeted for rough treatment by other dogs (unfounded or not) and you don't want that happening.

Btw - with the barking, watch the other dog's reaction. Often a Sheltie will bark at first to let the other dog know they're a little scared, or to back off, or sometimes it's a play bark. Us humans aren't very good at reading the difference but dogs can and a well mannered dog will act accordingly.
 
In the meantime, before getting him in any classes, if we are out walking or at our pet store (on leash) and he seems calm around another leashed dog, if he or the other dog try to approach each other, should I allow it?
 
I avoid letting my dogs sniff each other on leash if I don't know the dog, especially if you're dealing with a dog who is shy or cautious. One bad experience can set you back weeks, or even months. If you know the dog and owner, I think it's OK to have the dogs greet each other, but only then. It is a good idea though to let people he doesn't know stop and pat him, give him treats, etc. That will help build his confidence.
 
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