Can anyone supply information and/or techniques wih socializing adult dogs ( 3 yrs)?? Little dude is a rescue and knows the basic commands but has a problem with other dogs. HE ATTACKS THEM but his tail is wagging... I was told that he needs to adjust to his new surroundings which i agree but can't I take baby steps for now to train him to socialize with other dogs??

Thanks for any help....

Does the "attack" involve biting, growling, or snarling (anxiety/agression)? Does it involve jumping on another dog or wrestling with them (lack of social skills)? I'm no expert, but I believe it makes a difference.

Sometimes it helps to find a good-tempered dog (and owner), and take your dog on a LONG walk with them. It shows that you trust the other person/dog, and by the end of it, the dogs are too tired to be anxious.

Basically its growling and barking. I think its aniexty from being tossed around from the street, shelter, foster and now the city. He was alittle better last night and today.

I like you suggestion about walking with a friend. I think it will just take time and patience. Poor dude didnt know what he is going to be put through day by day.

Again Thanks

Takes time and effort. I have 2 difficult and determined terriers that are dominant and full of the devil on all counts. One is a breed rescue.

I think it's practice and environment; my 2 are prey driven and will chase other dogs (they do not b/c I do not allow this, but off lead and under their own devices they would), but have no issue with one another (both male, which with this breed is less aggressive than females). Tire your pup out-Walk much further than you think you need to, and keep the mental drain going as well by keeping him focused on you and not pulling or dragging, etc.

Eventually you'll find what the motivation is (some dogs are food motivated, some toys, and some prey). Read up on the breed, or breeds, that makeup your pup so you know where he's coming from.

Also, once he adapts to his surroundings, he'll generally be in a better frame of mind to work with. Who knows what went on in the shelter.

Personally, sounds like you just got him, so I'd work on tiring him out and bonding between you two before I worried about bringing another dog into it (dont wait too long). After a week or so of your long walks and teaching him to sit at corners before crossing the street, laying down, etc, you should be in a better place to introduce your tired and calm dog to another calm dog and owner.

There are a couple good trainers in the city as well. Feel free to PM me if you're interested.

just to chime in: as long as he remains unpredictable (or, worse, predictably aggressive or violent) with other dogs, please make sure to let other dog owners aware of that fact when you're out. communication can go a long way to avoiding the sort of unfortunate situation I ended up in on Saturday afternoon (maybe this was even you and your dog?):

my little guy has never met another dog, big or small, he didn't want to sniff the privates of. On Saturday, I asked another dog's owner if it was okay if he approached, to which I was told it was. About 3 seconds later I was airlifting my dog from, without exaggeration, certain death after the pooch tried to snap his neck. It was an extremely upsetting experience for both my dog and, sadly, me.

I guess what I'm getting at is no one will be offended if you just say your dog is still in training on how to be with other dogs!

Watch the DOG WHISPERER, great info for problem dogs.

Yikes! I hope your little guy is ok. Years ago, my dog was attacked by a neighbor's dog and suffered some nasty bites around his neck. My neighbor apologized, explained the kids had let the dog out of the yard which was not permitted and they'd been punished for it. She wanted to apologize to my dog also but even though he started to approach her, he must have caught the other dog's scent on her and started growling. It was such a trauma for him he never would go near anyone in that family again.

No that wasnt me, thank god. I have been letting everyone know the situation. Actually, today someone wanted to pet the pup and i explained that i didnt think it was a good idea and the woman insisted on letting the pooch sniff her hand and guess what ??? HE BIT HER....

that sounds horrible. we escaped any serious injury-- no cuts and just some bruising, i think. he wouldn't let me touch his neck for a couple of days and was generally a little edgy, but has been acting normal again lately.

and, to loni, i appreciate your attempts to try and handle your dog's situation responsibly even if people are ignoring your warnings!

I know that mostly the training is done in the pup's house but do you know if any trainers actually board them and train. I have a delemma. I had a vacation planned for a year and its coming up in two weeks and i dont know if my mother in law will be able to handle the little dude when i am away. Oh lordie i need help. I cant give up on him since everyon else did. This isnt my first dog but he is the firt one with this issue. HELP