Socialising

Hello,

Just got some questions about socialising my 6 month old. We have had him since he was 12 weeks and unfortunately when we got him he still had to have his vaccinations so it has started a little late.
I took him around the town carrying him so he could get used to the outdoors and when his vaccinations were complete we introduced him to another staffy in the family. He seems to be fine and so does the older staff but I always worry as it's a busy environment with lots of people and children so I cannot leave them for long enough to settle if you know what I mean. When we let them have a play Otis seems to get a little nippy and tries to get on top of saffy (older staff). I'm not sure if it's nervousness, we tell him no as I don't think saffy likes it and she has given him a few warning nips which haven't made contact as I have always intervened. When we take him to puppy classes he is quite happy to say hello to the other puppies but I think he is nervous too.

any advice on how to socialise him with other dogs would be much appreciated. Unfortunately as saffy is older and does let the cats role around with her I don't think she would tolerate Otis in the same manner. When we walk them they are brilliant they aren't bothered at all with each other.

x

Do you know anyone with a very calm dog who you could walk with, maybe something like a golden retriever or similar ?

Try to get him to meet as many different dogs of all sizes and shapes that you can too.

Logan is a bit nervous with other dogs too, it can sometimes comes across as defensiveness. But yes you are doing the right thing by trying to get him socialised more.

If you have friends/family that have dogs organise to walk with them whenever possible. Also, if poissible join a dog walking group and you will have a lot of chance to socialise in a controlled setting. If you contact your local vets/pet store they may be able to put you in touch with a group

Really comes down to as many positive interactions as frequently as possible and learning to be able to remain calm yourself while understanding dogs body language

when tyke was a pup my parents had two black labs and he was there from the of. we always monitered play but he loved it. I agree with Jstaff, soetimes dog play came seem 'hard' and it took me a while to realise what was play and what wasnt. the labs were submissive and would lay down for tyke and he would jump all over them, but we have met other dogs in the past who have had the stance, hackles raised and tail pointed and you just know that they may not want to play!

i woidl say the same tho find as many dogs as you can and interact

I'll keep working with him... The classes that we go to hold regular walks so I am hoping that we will get to take him... There is one this weekend just need to arrange getting there as I am in work typical lol!
Also going to get the family members dogs to come out at least once a week for a walk together which should help. He didn't quite know what to make of a big white shepherd x akita giving him big kisses. He was fine just sat there and wanted a sniff haha, next time he might be more relaxed. Think I will take a look at the body language advice - might make me feel more confident!

Also is it a major problem that he started socialising a little later?

Thanks everyone

Here is the body language link

http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/dog_body_language

At 6 months of age it's definately not too late to start socializing. Just keep in mind he will take behavioral cues from you as well so if you are nervous he will think he is supposed to be as well

Good point! I think I forget to remain calm myself as I am always on full alert watching the dogs! Thanks for the link

great point that jstaff made, as your pup will look at your for guidance you need to show him that yes your okay with this and they do pick up your mood and energy.

We had an incidant a few weeks ago when i was with tyke and my son and two small JR came bounding over yapping and there stance was pretty stand offish i think tyke picked up on this from me as i dif not know what to do and made him be on his guard sort of speak. But as a rule tyke is very placid and loves to play and he can generally mould his self to size and age....

You will get there in the end and aslong as you put the effort in it will pay off

To be honest, I've always asked people with dogs if their dog is friendly and if they wouldn't mind Loki meeting them. But he was always very playful and didn't know any manners, he'd jump all over other dogs without even sniffing first, he got told off quite a few times before he finally realised that politely sniffing first is the right way to do things. Just expose him to as many friendly dogs as possible, but if he's annoying the other dog or getting too over-the-top, move him away for a moment, and hopefully he'll learn that being like that results in the fun being taken away for a while.

Cheers for the advice everyone! Going to give it all a go - Hopefully I will get some positive results

Anyone that shows a slight interest on walks I stop and speak to and maintain a good distance (on lead) if they get the opportunity for a sniff then great , also stick with the classes