Expert: Kristin Date: 7/21/2008 Subject: 2 year old G.Shepherd/Husk Socializing with other dogs
Question I have a rescue German Shepherd / Husky named Dante (he lives up to his name) who I got about a year ago. My husband and I have 2 cats (owned before we got Dante) and Dante does fine with them, one beats him up, he chases the other one, it works out ok for the most part. The problem is trying to socialize him with other dogs. We take him to my in-laws a lot, she has 3 shitzhus, and he loves playing with them, doesn't bite or anything, but if we ever get him around a larger dog (like our neighbor has a lab/dane mix) they both seem to get really upset, his hackles go up and he barks and growls a lot. I want to take him on a trip, and there will be a little Jack Russell and a German Shepherd at the campground we're going to, but I don't want there to be a ton of drama, any suggestions? He does well at the kennel apparently, never fights with other big dogs, could it just be because our two yards are so close and both dogs see them as their own territory? I'd like to be able to take him around other dogs more so he can make some new friends. He loves people and tends to jump when excited, but calms down after about half an hour. My question is: How can I help Dante with socializing with other big dogs (or stranger dogs in general)? I read so many contradicting statements I get confused!
Answer Sometimes it is fences that cause problems,as well as sometimes just two dogs not liking each other and it could be possible that it's the other dog that doesn't like other dogs
Probably the best way for your dog and the one next to him to get along would be to have them meet in a park(not in each other's yards)and have them sniff ect with BOTH dogs wearing muzzles,that way they can see that each other isn't a threat but also so they can't hurt each other
You can do this with other dogs you know as well,that way he can meet other dogs with no one getting hurt
