[rdonasco]

My dog seemed scared of other people and dogs. What's the best way to introduce him to people and other dogs?

[Deafdogsrule]

Dont force him to interact with people, or dogs, You may end up with a case of fear aggression. Have people over to your house, give them really yummy treats like hot dogs (cut up into tiny peices) or small bits of cheese. have the strangers ignore your dog, but hold a treat in their hands. if the dog comes sniffing near them, have them drop the peice of food, but continue to ignore the dog. He's being rewarded for being near things that scare him, but it's his choice, so he's being rewarded for making the right choice.

Another thing is to go for walks with people he doesn't know. give them a handful of treats, and have them drop a peice everytime the dog goes near them, again, he's being rewarded for making the right choice.

eventually progress to him taking the treat out of their hands, and then for touching him, always giving him the choice to get away, and never forcing him. You may want to consider clicker training him, as well. Clicker training is a great way to help a dog over their fears. "Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor is a fantastic start. Also "Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog" by Emma Parsons. Not that your dog is aggressive, but her method works very well with fearful dogs who aren't aggressive.

As to getting him socializing with other dogs, have a friend with a bomb-proof dog go for a walk with you, allow the dogs to interact, if your dog chooses to, but make sure your dog can get away from the other one if he wants. Do not correct him if he reacts aggressively. if he does, take him away from the scary dog, then work back towards the other dog, rewarding him for calm behaviour, if he reacts again, take him back, then work up closer again. reward heavily for him being near the dog, or allowing the other dog to sniff at him.

Keep all experiences with other dogs positive and rewarding, he will soon associate other dogs with treats/play/praise from you. and will slowly lose his fear of other dogs.

[DoggieVogue]

Those are all great tips and pretty much exactly what I would suggest! I have a dog that is very much afraid of people. I've used the same techniques such as having people walk with us, ignoring the dog, and giving treats! It's been a slow process but I have definitely seen some improvement with my dog. So you just have to stick with your program and give it lots of time and attention!

[Deafdogsrule]

Originally Posted by DoggieVogue

Those are all great tips and pretty much exactly what I would suggest! I have a dog that is very much afraid of people. I've used the same techniques such as having people walk with us, ignoring the dog, and giving treats! It's been a slow process but I have definitely seen some improvement with my dog. So you just have to stick with your program and give it lots of time and attention!

As do I, but mine is severely fear aggressive. He's yet to bite a person or a dog, but that's through my management, not his choice! He's slowly getting better, but I adopted him knowing his issues, I wanted to help him. His issues have taught me alot. I use a front clip harness and a head halter for control, stearing, and to not add more stimulation when he's reacting... I also use a Thundershirt when going to public places with him, to help lessen his anxiety, and I keep everything positive and try my best to keep him under threshold... so far there has been a marked improvement.

and I clicker train... which has worked wonders, and I'll never go back!

[DoggieVogue]

How does that Thundershirt work? I have seen them and contemplated getting one for my dog, but have been a little skeptical. What are your thoughts on it?

[Deafdogsrule]

The Thundershirt works like an anxiety wrap that TTouch practicioners use. It has certainly helped Oliver relax in certain situations, though it's not a miracle. I know several others that have used it, and have found it successful, especially with treating noise anxiety. Ollie really likes wearing it.