Socialising An Older Dog

[conztruct]

Hi All,

Was hoping you could offer some people socialisation advice.

I have a really nice dog (almost 3 - I got him when he was about 18months) who I love showing but he seems to hate it. All last year we did shows and he was a really good boy but so far this year when the judges have approached him he backs away and sits down - he's frightened.

I have been taking him out to parks for walks, shopping centre car parks, busy places, etc and he's ok but when people approach he's very timid. I've been slowly trying to get him used to people by bringing him to meet people when they visit (I only do this in our own home environment so he's in familiar territory). I've also enrolled him in obedience.

I guess I'm just a little concerned that he is still so scared of people and seems more afraid than he was last year when he was happy enough to stand there and let the judges go over him. I'd also appreciate some advice about whether you think I'm doing the right thing by going to obedience and thrusting him right into it - I do want what's best for him.

He's not at all fear aggressive. He's kinda just curious - will move toward people but then pull away - he'll take treats from them or let them quickly touch him but then immediately retreat (and usually hide behind me.....). Some people think it's funny - I don't at all - because it obviously stresses him out.

I just wondered whether I was handling it right or if someone had some suggestions on how I could ease him into it. My other two absolutely love people and I basically have to peel them away.....LOL.

Thanks guys.

[megan_]

For this kind of fear I would see a behaviourist (if you let us know what city you live in we can recommend someone).

My girl used to tremble at the sight of a stranger and couldn't walk on a leash. She now loves her walks and can happily walk past someone. It has been hard work but definitely worth it. There is no way I could have done it by myself - having an expert guide me made all the difference.

[conztruct]

For this kind of fear I would see a behaviourist (if you let us know what city you live in we can recommend someone).

My girl used to tremble at the sight of a stranger and couldn't walk on a leash. She now loves her walks and can happily walk past someone. It has been hard work but definitely worth it. There is no way I could have done it by myself - having an expert guide me made all the difference.

Sorry - we're in Rockhampton QLD

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Firstly, something none of us can judge without seeing him - is it actually fear? It sounds like it probably is but there are other reasons why dogs sit in the show ring, eg, confusion (handler error) and/or lack of motivation.

What are his parents like? Siblings? If they are a little fruit-loopy too then you'll have to think hard about whether the show ring is where he should be. You can overcome a lot with training, but if it's genetic in origin it's best not to go on with it.

You have a Bull Terrier in your icon, is he a BT? If so, can you get an experienced bully person to observe you show him and give you honest feedback? You might also want to try Jane Killion's yahoo group for training Bull Terriers. She shows in conformation as well as doing obedience and agility and has expert Bull Terrier knowledge. If you search this forum for her name you should find the last thread where she was recommended.

Also, when you have worked out what the problem is, it's important to work out what a solution would look like before starting. What would you like to acheive with him? Do you want him to feel more comfortable with strangers? Do you want to keep showing him? It helps to have an end goal in mind when you are coming up with a plan to improve a behaviour. It's also important to consider whether the investment is worth the pay off. An investment in making him comfortable and confident in his every day life = definitely worth the pay off. Trying to get a dog to perform in the show ring when they have a possibly organic issue with fear = doubtful. And I say that as someone who has tried!!

[conztruct]

Firstly, something none of us can judge without seeing him - is it actually fear? It sounds like it probably is but there are other reasons why dogs sit in the show ring, eg, confusion (handler error) and/or lack of motivation.

What are his parents like? Siblings? If they are a little fruit-loopy too then you'll have to think hard about whether the show ring is where he should be. You can overcome a lot with training, but if it's genetic in origin it's best not to go on with it.

You have a Bull Terrier in your icon, is he a BT? If so, can you get an experienced bully person to observe you show him and give you honest feedback? You might also want to try Jane Killion's yahoo group for training Bull Terriers. She shows in conformation as well as doing obedience and agility and has expert Bull Terrier knowledge. If you search this forum for her name you should find the last thread where she was recommended.

Also, when you have worked out what the problem is, it's important to work out what a solution would look like before starting. What would you like to acheive with him? Do you want him to feel more comfortable with strangers? Do you want to keep showing him? It helps to have an end goal in mind when you are coming up with a plan to improve a behaviour. It's also important to consider whether the investment is worth the pay off. An investment in making him comfortable and confident in his every day life = definitely worth the pay off. Trying to get a dog to perform in the show ring when they have a possibly organic issue with fear = doubtful. And I say that as someone who has tried!!

Thanks for this reply - really helpful.

I believe it is fear and seems to be in relation to people - he behaves the same way if I bring a person he doesn't know into my yard to meet him. He doesn't completely run away - but he looks like he's in two minds - he comes forward and is curious but then pulls away. When he knows someone (usually takes about 2 or 3 visits - he's a totally different dog - happy, playful, affectionate).

The short answer is that I would really like to show him because he's a wonderful dog but I don't want to if it's going to stress him out, I also want him to be comfortable when meeting strangers and that's probably the more important one for me. Some of the feedback I've received from friends who show is that keeping him going will be best so that he gets used to it - I understand the logic but I guess I'd like to get him reassured and comfortable with people outside of the show ring and put him back in when he's happier about it - I don't know if that's the right way - that's my logic only. My main concern is that he is getting worse with it - we showed all last year and he'd let the judges go over him and check his mouth and all without a problem - now he doesn't want a barr of it. Parents and siblings are good to my knowledge - my other two have been brought up in the same environment and are fine.

He is a BT - and I'm not ignoring your remark about the handler - I'm an absolute novice so I'm sure I've unwittingly played some part in this. Thanks for the suggestion about the forum - I've got her book which I found great so the forum will be good too.

I guess just so you understand where I'm coming from - I'd like to show him, but he is first and foremost a pet so if that doesn't eventuate, it definately won't be the end of the world.

This didn't turn out to be a short answer at all sorry but I really do appreciate your advice. It makes me feel better to hear different opinions and questions that I need to ask and answer myself, that I hadn't necessarily thought of.

[Bully]

Hi Conztruct. The group is positivelybts Come and join it and I'm sure that you'll get lots of help