Comments: Raising a people-friendly dog

“I've rescued a very smart, energetic bitch with a strong personality. She does very well with strangers and kids, but doesn't always get along with other strange dogs. Her hackles go up and occasionally growls. Her background was very isolated and now at 2 years old I'm struggling to bring her to the dog park to help with socializing. I've suggested other dogs to come over which has helped. What else can we do?” — runners88, May 04 2008

“Paws06 - I would definitely cont. going to the dog park. Your dog is still young and in time she should become more confident. My dog was once pretty shy, but now I can't keep him away from other dogs. Just make sure the other dogs in the park are behaving themselves around her and eventually she will be fine. I also found that doing agility has really improved my dogs confidence as well. Good luck!” — aaaaa, Apr 29 2008

“Two months ago my husband & I rescued a Wheaten Terrier. The puppy is now 10 months old; was 8 when we got her, but she hadn't been socialized with people and too many other dogs when she was young. She is very attached to me, but is pretty frightened of people. Even my husband has had a challenge getting her to not run away and be comfortable with him in the house. I've been bringing her to the dog park. She does move around amongst the dogs but very passive; tail down and will not play. The only time she will play is with me or sometimes with the two indoor cats we have. Should I continue to take her to the park; when dogs are not socialized early on, do they ever overcome the shyness? Should I be doing something else? I have taught her to walk on a leash, sit, etc. I'm consistent in her training, but I feel like there may be more I should be doing. She has made progress, but has a long way to go.
Any suggestions?” — paws06, Apr 28 2008

“I never knew how important it is to socialize my dog until a friend told me to look into it. All dogs need socialization to be the best they can be!” — onthewater.3, Mar 19 2008

Back to Raising a people-friendly dog