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ant123253 · Sep 4, 2007, 05:49 AM

My pomeranian X was a stray and was originally extremely scared of other dogs and people. After having her for over 6 months she has gotten better with people and even though she is still scared of dogs when they get too close she isn't as nervous as before. However sometimes when they get too close she begins to snarl and growl.

I have agreed with my friend to take our dogs to the park so our dogs can socialise, hopefully this will help. I am wondering if there is anything I can do so that my dog doesn't get too frightened and try and bite my friends dog.

pawsdogdaycare · Sep 4, 2007, 05:52 AM

Let her no that this behavior is unacceptable, Don't baby them too much but you need to understand what kind of dog that you really have.. what is it's natural personality.. some dogs may never become really social with other dogs, while other may learn to tolerate others well.. Also if she is acting aggressively when other dogs approach she may need to be socialized as a park or dog daycare etc.. And see if that helps.. as for what you can do to prevent it from attacking your friends dog.. you can correct it at the first hint of aggression, hire a trainer to assist you, or put a party mask on the dog when around others.. (a muzzle.. )

labman · Sep 4, 2007, 06:17 AM

You have to understand the first 12 weeks of a dogs life are very important. It is very important that a puppy stays with its mother and litter until 6 weeks old. It then needs to start getting out in the world, meeting strangers and other, known to be healthy, dogs.

Failing to do so can result in a dog that will always be slow to accept strangers and other dogs. Treats go a long ways toward the acceptance of strange people. Dogs are different. Starting with your friends dog is a good idea. Keep them on a short leash letting them sniff each other. Don't push her to far. Try walking with both dogs in the proper heel position. Let her get used to being near the other dog without it interacting with her. Take your time. There is no quick, easy way to undo past mistakes.

Early socialization is so important that we are given tags with our puppies at 7 weeks, allowing us to take them in public places including restaurants and grocery stores. Of course we have been trained to avoid accidents.

ant123253 · Sep 5, 2007, 12:44 AM

Hey guys thanks for all those tips. They really helped.

Thought I might just let you know how the walk went. It started pretty bad with both dogs barking and growling ferociously at each other but I told my friend to walk ahead while I followed and pretty soon my dog was walking alongside his. By the end they were sniffing each other and even though they might not be best friends yet I think after some more times shell be great. Thanks for your help.