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Socialising Dog with other Dogs

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  • 01-02-2023 6:50pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 12,114 ✭✭✭✭


    We have a 5 year old Cavachon cross breed. He loves people and can’t get close enough to you but he doesn’t like other Dogs.

    We took him to a family members house last weekend and he just didn’t want to be near their dog, he kept hiding under chairs and looking for me to put him on my lap away from the other dog. However I must emphasise there was no aggression in any shape or form. I fe,t sorry for their dog because he was trying to get Alfie to play with him but he was having none of it.


    Any advice on what to do or is it just perseverance and gentle introduction? Have tried all the easy tricks we can think of



Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 19 IceT
    Owner of Irish Canine Education & Training


    Hi Gale,

    It is likely a lot more complicated than it seems. While its hard to tell from the little bit of information you have here (and obviously meeting the dog in a similar environment would be ideal) it sounds like a confidence thing. Its very possible that your Cavachon cross has a lack on confidence.

    Regardless of my assumption above (right or wrong) it is not surprising this happened under those circumstances. Dogs are lead by their noise and get most of their initial information from smells. Order of importance is Nose, Ears and then eyes. In that new environment, with an unknown dog in their territory (their smell on absolutely everything), new people, all moving around, so much happening it is not surprising at all. However, what is surprising is that after a while your dog did not relax and eventually start to explore and then meet this new dog naturally. Although you mention hiding with you and being on your lap so if your dog stayed there that might be the reason.

    I'm a Canine behaviourist, dog trainer and human educator, and this is something I come across a lot, lack of confidence, nervousness or anxiety.

    These can stem from a few sources but the most common is past trauma or a stressful event that escalated into fear and avoidance, or it could be routed in the relationship between the owner and dog. I say the last with not knowing anything about you or your dog and I am not referencing you here, but a good relationship between a human and a canine companion may not always be a healthy one one for the dog. If the dog is too clingy for example or there is a lack of leadership that could create these issues. For example, a lack of leadership could lead to the dog feeling like they need to be in charge, their human does not know what they are doing and that random dog over there is far too close (Bark bark, growl, GET AWAY!!), or a dog that goes mental as soon as the door bell goes (I need to protect the house, the human is nervous and scared, my turn to be a dog, Bark bark, growl, GET AWAY!!), then needs to be put away in another room but 2 seconds after the door is closed and the guests are sitting down comes out and is happy as anything, loving the attention and the new people.

    Going back to you, there could be a few reasons for this behaviour and I am not going to start making assumptions but just know that your dog can lead a normal stress free life. Solving the issues should not be too difficult you will just need to find a Canine Behaviourist in your area, possibly some confidence exercises or maybe some drills to help trust between you too if that is part of the issue.

    Also controlled (Very very controlled) socialisation, there is an art to this, I would really not recommend doing that without a Canine Behaviourist. You need the right dog, they need to react in a good way and then a controlled introduction, slow and very controlled. The initial couple of minutes are crucial here but once they have met and start off on the right foot the chances are they may run around like best friends.

    I hope this helps



  • Registered Users Posts: 14,045 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    I don’t think it’s that complicated at all tbh .. some dogs are not social butterflies when it comes to other dogs and that’s perfectly ok? He’s asking you for guidance and assurance and again - that’s totally fine with me - it’s showing you have a great bond. And there’s no question of you as an owner for me because I’ve been reading your posts for years and years!

    What I get from your post is that the family member’s dog was maybe persistent in trying to get your guy to play? So really they’re the one who’s not brilliantly socialised as they’re not reading your dogs cues i.e. not every dog wants to play with them. Don’t be afraid to help him out if he needs it too - I’d rather step in than have something escalate. The same way I sectioned off part of the hall when Rory was a baby as he wasn’t getting that Bailey didn’t want to play with him… or put him on lead around certain dogs I know are afraid or might not want to play with him. I have to say though we’re always getting mini dogs playing with him who are supposedly afraid of other dogs but love retrievers lol so maybe you need to meet up with a retriever - he’s very good friends with a tiny Bichon lol 😆

    If you do go the behaviourist route - I’d recommend checking apdt.ie to find somebody who’s qualified in your area.



  • Registered Users Posts: 12,114 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    He is very clingy and has a very close bond with us so I can relate to that. We were in their house although he has been there before without another dog we might try and have the two dogs in our house next time



  • Registered Users Posts: 3,610 ✭✭✭muddypaws


    I'm a dog trainer and behaviour consultant and wish all my clients were like your dog. I honestly wouldn't worry about it or force the issue at all,

    Just like people, some dogs are more sociable than others. I have a house full of dogs, some love the company, others prefer to stay away from the other dogs. One of my boys spends the time that I'm not home alone in my bedroom because he really is happier there on his own.

    If it isn't causing issues in your lives I wouldn't do anything about it, I wish there were more dogs out and about who ignored my dogs while walking and working!



  • Registered Users Posts: 2,497 ✭✭✭beachhead


    Dogs are individuals each with their own personalities.If your dog doesn't like other dogs then it doesn't like them.



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  • Registered Users Posts: 7,109 ✭✭✭SuperBowserWorld


    Have you tried poker ?




  • Registered Users Posts: 12,114 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    Whenever he is alone and someone comes home you will always find him in my print shed, it’s like it’s his safe space or something.

    Nothing about him causes any issues for us, we’re used to it and can adapt. One thing may turn to be an issue is with Covid and various things we haven’t ever all been away together and I don’t think he would get along in boarding kennels if that were to happen. I think it would be a really stressful experience for him



  • Registered Users Posts: 3,610 ✭✭✭muddypaws


    Yeah putting him into kennels could be difficult for him. I do dog sitting as well, calling in to dogs while owners are away, let them out and walk them once a day and put them to bed. Some dogs are much happier with this arrangement even though they're on their own a lot. Maybe have a look around your local area and see if anyone offers this service.

    I rarely go away because of my dogs, I have a few oldies now and whilst I have a good kennels that I've used a few times, I hate leaving them at their age.



  • Registered Users Posts: 164 ✭✭Terrier2023


    Maube he came from a puppy farm they are often socially retarded due to bad early handling and a lot of noise from other dogs in cages, this leads to stress and beign around other dogs reminds him of the trauma. Just another possible avenue that may cause his dislike of other dogs. No offence intended.

    Post edited by Terrier2023 on


  • Registered Users Posts: 12,114 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    We don’t know where he came from. We didn’t get him direct from the breeder. That could make sense though because he has quite a nervous disposition, he doesn’t like loud noises, large dogs or being in the car either. He loves people though so obviously wasn’t mistreated



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  • Registered Users Posts: 164 ✭✭Terrier2023


    I see a lot of dogs in my work they are beautifully maintained and loved by their families but once in kennels due to holidays they are frightened nervous and even bite me when i go to put the leads on for walking. A lot are bichon mixes and they look a bit odd too leggier thinner than a pure well bred bichon and they are just full of anxiety. Its heart breaking but they then resort to themselves once they go to their safe home where no one will ask them to do anything different or come out of their comfort zone. make your little dog as happy as you can and dont ask too much of him, best to just let him be and if he loves humans then let him love them .



  • Registered Users Posts: 34 Anawilliam850


    It's not uncommon for some dogs to have a preference for human companionship over other dogs, and it's important to remember that every dog is an individual with their own personality and preferences.

    If your dog is not displaying any aggressive behavior towards other dogs, it's possible that he just needs some time and gentle exposure to other dogs in a controlled and positive environment. You can try slowly introducing him to other dogs while closely monitoring his behavior and providing positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, when he behaves calmly and positively around other dogs.

    It's also important to manage your expectations and recognize that your dog may never be a social butterfly with other dogs, and that's okay. It's important to respect his boundaries and not force him into situations that make him uncomfortable or stressed.

    If you're still having trouble with his behavior around other dogs, it may be helpful to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your dog's specific needs and personality.



  • Registered Users Posts: 89 ✭✭jamieon


    I have a saluki that we rescued from the pound, beautiful dog and very good temperment, playful with people and kids.


    Iv noticed though when I take her for walks she goes absolutely bonkers at the sight of a dog, barking and pulling on the lead. Iv never seen anything in her to suggest she would be aggressive but Im always wary of letting her go close to any dog (Id usually walk the opposite direction). Im thinking of putting a muzzle on her just incase she ever slipped off the lead. The thing with a muzzle though it suggests to others she would get aggressive or attack when in fact its for my own piece of mind really.


    There is a service nearby who collect your dog and will bring them to a dog park to socialise with other dogs, but Im nervous to take the chance incase something does happen.

    Anybody have any advice or even anybody with a similar experience?


    Jamie



  • Registered Users Posts: 14,045 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    It’s your dog so forgot what people think. I say that as somebody with a dog buggy and doggie wheelchair lol 😅 😅😅

    I’m not a fan of dog parks as I’ve often seen dogs who aren’t happy in them / one dog is an asshole bothering all the other dogs and owners are oblivious. Have you somewhere you go and eg sit on a bench and just dog watch? So close enough to see the dogs but far enough away that they’re not in her space and just see how she gets on? Do you think she’s afraid of them? Or just very excited.



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