Dog Training Community

Hi Vared, 

Your dog needs to be properly socialized to dogs. The important point to keep in mind is that the critical socialization period for puppies extends until approximately 16-18 weeks of age. After that it is much more difficult to socialize puppies. So, you should actively socialize him daily.

You should do this with anything that he is going to come into contact with for the rest of his life. Of course this includes dogs, sounds, people, locations, etc.

There are two blog posts that might help out.

Socialize Your Puppy Now 

Don't Wait Until Spring to Socialize 

With dogs (or anything that you want to socialize him to) you should bring FANTASTIC treats with you and AS SOON as he sees a dog, say, "Yes" or make another noise and give him a treat. You want to use his favorite treat, because if he doesn't take it, it is a sure indication that he is stressed out. If this occurs, move him farther away from the other dog until he is taking treats.

Do this with every dog that he sees, even if he currently likes them. You want him to LOVE every dog, not just tolerate them.

30 minutes is not too long to walk a puppy unless he is over-stimulated or tired. Let him tell you if he is anxious or tired. If so, don't push him, let him be comfortable or take him home.

Let me know if you have more questions.  

Hi Jeff

Thank a lot for your answer. I want to be sure that I understood you .

You wrote that I shal say yes and give him a treat evry time he sees a dog .

if he starts barking at the dog shal I give him  a treat as well ?

Thanks again

Vered

You are very welcome. 

If your puppy barks at another dog, that could be excitement, or it could be anxiety. I would err on the side of safety and simply move him away until he is quiet and that is your new "starting point" with that particular dog. Don't ask your puppy to be quiet, to sit or anything else. Just move him away.

Then, when he looks back at the dog, continue the exercises. As he remains calm, you can move closer. 

Don't forget to use OUTSTANDING treats that he doesn't get any other time. You want him to look forward to seeing dogs because it results in something unusually fantastic for him.

Let me know if you have questions, and please keep me posted on the progress.

Jeff 

Hi Jeff

Thanks a lot  . I will keep you posted .

Vered

Hi Vered,

I am so glad things are going well. It is a great idea that you are taking him to the puppy socialization meeting.

The strategy for countering his tendency of lunging after moving people is to watch his head and AS SOON as he sees the movement say, "Yes!" and give him a treat. The strategy is to change the pattern of behavior by stopping his normal behavior pattern and redirecting it into another action. The key is to keep him far enough away from the movement so he is not reactive.

I highly recommend that you use a "helper" and have him or her slowly run back and forth or ride a bike back and forth for 10-15 minutes so your dog gets used to the movement and also allows you to practice different distances and speeds so you know what to expect when the real event happens. You can increase the speed and decrease the distance as your dog's behavior improves. 

Let me know if you have questions.  

Many thanks Jeff for your help .

Vered