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How do I test my dogs sociability with other dogs safely?
I am a mom to a rescue English Bulldog and don't know a lot about his history. I would love to take him to the dog park, but I worry about him. I don't know how he would act. He seems to get REALLY excited when he sees other dogs when we are out walking, but bulldogs are hard to read for aggression since they are already noisy and don't really have a tail. I'm just nervous about his social skills. He's a good boy who knows his commands, but again he is a bulldog and does what he wants. Any thoughts?
Asked by
Barkley
on Jun 10th 2009
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in Socialization
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- This question is closed.
Best Answer
Congrats on adopting this lovable breed. I am sorry that you have no background on him. He IS neutered, right?
Do you have friends who have dogs? If so..slowly introduce them OUTSIDE in a neutral place. Not your own yard.
Keep both on leash and allow them to shiff each other. Monitor every move. Do this regularly.
Do not allow him off leash at a dog park until you have taken him there several times without incident ON LEASH.
Max is my nephew. He lives with us now. Max loves everyone! He is a bulldog.
Rocky answered on Jun 10th.
Other Answers
Answers
Congrats on your new addition to the family.
The above poster has given very good advice. When introducing your dog to others, it's important to keep them on leashes to ensure safety for both. If you notice any signs of tension from Barkley or the other dog, separate immediately.
Reading a dogs body lauguage goes beyond a tail, because a wagging tail doesn't always mean a friendly happy dog.
dogs.lovetoknow.com
Have a good one.
♥ DEOGIE ♥
answered on 6/10/09.
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ok, first of all, the dog must get use to you and learn to trust you.
The dogpark on top of him being new is asking for some terrible problems. The dog park can be Highly stressful if your dog has never been to one to start off. Which he probaly never has, this could freak him out.
Try going to an obedience class where everyone's dog is on leash. That is the best place to start with any new dog, but I would give him at least 4 months to get use to you. You can walk him about on leash in town to see what his responses are. Or go to petstores and feed him in there as well. Thanks for rescueing him, that is great:) :)
Dieta
answered on 6/10/09.
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Take him to the pet store that way you can get him around other dogs but not where they will be running loose. We did that with one dog we had that was adopted. We also took him with us to family member houses that had dogs.
Xena
answered on 6/10/09.
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Hi Barkley!
I spend a lot of time at the dog park, and I can tell you that the best way for you to get attacked, or to hurt another dog, is to be on leash when you meet. I agree with the posters who suggest obedience classes on leash, and with the idea of introducing you to a non-aggressive dog in a neutral place, but please don't go into the dog park on-leash. You will send out body language that will draw the high-energy dogs, and because you can't get away, you will be nervous, and it's just a recipe for disaster.
I am a rescue dog, and when I first went to the dog park, my mom and trainer took off my leash in the entry gate, then (after closing the gate behind us), they walked quickly to the far corner. I was a bit overwhelmed, but I followed them and was able to acclimate where there weren't too many other dogs around. Soon I learned to play well with others, and now I sometimes help new dogs as they enter for the first time.
Not much room left - but avoid face-to-face meetings.
Katie
answered on 6/10/09.
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