Dog Socialisation Classes in Cork

mike923

I have a two year old GSD who wouldn't be the best with dogs he's not familiar with. He'd be perfect after about 30mins with the other dog then though. He's naturally quite dominant.

Looking for classes around Cork City/Douglas

Thanks

Nody

You're about 22 months to late for socialization classes I'm afraid and that's before the fact that the whole domination theory has been debunked. Your best bet is most likely best off with a proper, certified by adpt.ie (and only adpt.ie) dog behaviorist to help you on how to make your GSD more comfortable around other new dogs and do introductions.

nancicreedon IAABC

Hi Mike,

Yup, as above, classes wouldn't be a great idea as it would quite likely be too overwhelming for your fella.

Did he interact much with other dogs as a pup?

It sounds like he might just not be very fluent in 'doggie language' and misread signals from other dogs / give inappropriate signals and behaviours to other dogs.

Generally when people think their dog is dominant the dog is actually quite insecure and feels vulnerable around other dogs, hence carrying out intimidating / pushy behaviours to other dogs in an attempt to ensure the other dog doesn't attack your pup (think throwing the first punch when you feel threatened.... not that you go around punching people, but you know where I'm going )

He might just need a combination of observation time and controlled interaction with an appropriately behaved dog.

If you know of anywhere where other dogs pass on leash where you also have open space (Jacobs Island is good for this) it would be a good idea to set up camp on a saturday afternoon so your boy can watch dogs from a distance while not feeling threatened.
It can help take some of the 'fear of the unknown' out of the situation, but I would be careful to manage any interactions with other dogs you don't know, as every time your boy gets to practice inappropriate behaviours it is increasing the likelihood that he will repeat these behaviours (the rehearsal effect) and we don't want him getting himself in trouble!

mike923

Hi Nancy,
Unfortunately he didn't have a great "puphood" as he was a rescue and had extremely weak hind legs/hips and by the time I built up his muscles enough (through swimming and short walks) he was about 6 months old and a very large pup. People with dogs on the street would have very little time for him, to be fair he is a very large dog. He gets on great with people and is an excellent watch.
The problem he has is mostly with small dogs, JRs and Bichons ect.
Thanks for the great advice-
The only thing is I do carefully socialise him.. And after a few minutes the dogs will be getting on great.. It's just I have to do it every single time!