Socialising adult dogs?

[Bossdog]

Hi all

I am a bit new to this forum, hope you can help!

We have an 8yo GSD boy (unneutered) that we rescued at 2yo. We have always lived in a rural area and never came across other dogs very often and as he was a private rescue, he had no socialisation before we got him. He is very full on with other dogs, particuarly large entire males but isn't aggressive, I think he is actualy over compensating for his lack of confidence. We do have an elderly lab bitch whom he adores and they have never had a problem.

Unfortunatly, we have now moved onto an RAF base and now i can't let him off the lead because I am sure he is going to get himself in trouble, I have my 2yo son in tow with me when I walk them so I can't risk him getting into a fight. He has no idea of his size with small dogs either!

Basically, walking is now a nightmare, I can't let him off, when he is on an extendable lead I'm stressed because I'm afraid he's going to garotte my son and the poor boy is starting to look a bit podgy. Is it too late to get him sociable with other dogs, is neutering likely to help at this stage, I've even considered rehoming him , it's not his fault and I feel so guilty for not making sure he was sociable when he was younger.

Sorry for such a long post, thanks for reading ti!!

Jules x

 

[igpodet]

It is never too late!!
You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!!!
Contact your local Dog Training Classes and ask them, or your vet, to recommend someone who does one to one training, and socialising for adults.
There are people out there who will help you. good luck.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Yes neutering is likely to help as would only affect the way he act towards other dogs, but as importantly it will affect how other dogs react to him. Also agree with other poster re: taking him to training classes so he can be socialised in a controlled enviroment.

 

[CAYLA]

Agree with PB....its best to get him in with some well socialsed dogs that won't be to phasd by his over the topness.....we take alot of unsocialised dogs in via our rescue and it does not take long to get them socialised using our older more confident dogs....but obviously u have to play a part in also correcting any over the top behaviour, u need to be confident in your handlng of him, when we are socialising new dogs we have to be ready to step in an reprimand as good as the older dogs are its our responsibility to keep them safe during socialising....and working on his recall would be beneficial.