Stan's new socialisation programme - phase 1!

bex1984

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Stan's first day of his 'socialisation programme' was yesterday. He went back to his breeder for the day - we left him there at 7.30am and picked him up in the evening. She has around 20 pet dogs, mostly terriers and collies, but has also got a 7 month old rottie x st. bernard - it is HUGE!!

So Stan was basically put in with around 10 terriers (including his grandma....awww!) and one enormous bouncy puppy which was a major challenge for him as he has got quite scared of big dogs, and situations where he is surrounded by dogs.

Anyway - by the time we picked him up he seemed to be starting to realise that he was OK. He was being kept in line by a couple of Westies. He had also got himself a girlfriend who he was dragging round by her ears :)

And the best bit - a plate of food was put on the floor for the dogs and they all charged over to eat it - stan picked the spot in between the huge puppy's front legs, and they ate with their mouths right next to each other. Major progress I think?

He's been for his walk at the park this morning and seems more confident and happy with all the other dogs. Breeder is really keen to nip his behaviour in the bud now, so he's going back weekly for 3 - 4 weeks, then spending a long weekend there. She has instructed us to be firm with any gobby behaviour, and to take charge by greeting new dogs ourselves first, before allowing him anywhere near. So we'll work on that :)

Sorry for long post - am so pleased to see some progress and wanted to share :)
 
I am going through the same- it DOES get better. Dex no longer reacts to dogs at a distance- and last week at training we actually got into a class!
 
we have no problems with dogs at a distance, it's when they get close for a sniff and to say hello that Stan feels the need to get rid of them - quick! So we were very impressed to see him between the front legs of the giant dog yesterday. It was a rottie x that attacked him when he was younger so he is always extra wary of dogs of that type.

Good to hear you're making progress too :)
 
Sounds like what Teal does yet I can go out with lots of dogs and he's fine. But meet a strange dog on a walk and he's off. I have had 1 trainer but am now enlisting help from Jim greenwood.

Re rottie x st Bernard I have a almost 7 month one, wonder if from same litter? PM sent.
 
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