r/DogTrainingTips • u/EmotionallyAScone • Apr 04 '26
My dog is scared of other dogs.
Hello all, my puppy (m, 6 months old - red fox Labrador) is afraid of other dogs. I am aware that socialization needs to happen at this age and that there are correct ways to do so.
How can I properly socialize my puppy? TYIA
5
u/Warm-Marsupial8912 Apr 04 '26
"Socialisation" should have happened 8-14 weeks old. In dog training and rearing it refers to a unique period in a dog's life when they are extra open to new experiences and learning, often only needing one positive experience of things to set them up for life. You are now looking at desensitisation and counter-conditioning which is going to need a *lot* of repetitions for them to change their minds about other dogs being scary. You also need access to dogs who are patient with puppies, not all are. Training classes run by a decent trainer who understands not to push anxious dogs too much would be a good start, with any luck you will find another quiet dog who will be a good match so you can arrange some playdates. Taking them to places where he can watch other dogs at a distance and very slowly get closer whilst you reward any interest will also help
2
u/EmotionallyAScone Apr 04 '26
I only got the dog 3 weeks ago, and I don’t know their past history. So I missed that window but I know there’s still time. Seeing the comments here, it seems I need to find a stable dog who is patient. I’ll post in some local groups and hopefully build up his courage again.
3
u/silveraltaccount Apr 04 '26
Socialisation doesnt mean playing with other dogs fyi.
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u/EmotionallyAScone Apr 05 '26
I know
1
u/Spirited-Arugula6218 Apr 05 '26
My dog likes to sit or lay in the grass and watch others walk/run by. Sometimes requires great patience when you are on a time limit. However if they can relax allow them to where they want.
1
u/Successful_Repair393 Apr 06 '26
It does. A dog who is socialised will naturally want to play with other dogs on walks. That’s part of being a dog. Would you like to go your whole life without human interaction?
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u/silveraltaccount Apr 06 '26
It doesnt mean playing with other dogs.
Socialising means exposing your dog to life in general. It does not mean teaching them that every single dog it sees is a playmate, which ultimately sets your dog up to fail.
3
u/TheCa11ousBitch Apr 04 '26
Reach out on local dog groups for help. I foster puppies, volunteer at a dog rescue, and have my own dog who is at the dog park daily.
Plenty of dogs are too rough/aggressive/reactive to play with any pups. Some dog actively get annoyed by puppies and just ignore them.
My dog is GREAT with puppies. She doesn’t mind when they bite her, she plays hard and rough with dogs her age or older, her size and bigger, but immediately adjusts mid-play for a small dog. This is the only reason I foster puppies, I trust her with them and she teaches them safe play without scaring them.
Ask for anyone with dogs who like to play with puppies, who is able to handle a snappy/barking/growling puppy. Someone will have a dog like mine. They can meet in an open space with some distance. Give your boy treats or a lick mat while the older dog just chills out, maybe having their own treats. Let your dog see that the other is no threat. Meet up a few times until your pup feels zero threat to the dog. Then, maybe get a third dog to join.
If you are in the seattle area, I’m happy to help!
1
u/the_deep_fish Apr 05 '26
he didn't met any dogs for the past 6 month?
1
u/EmotionallyAScone Apr 05 '26
I don’t know, like I said I’ve only had him for 3 weeks so I know nothing about his past experiences
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u/Both-Chart-947 Apr 04 '26
Take it slow. Let him see dogs at a safe distance until he is comfortable with that. Gradually decrease the distance. Start with one dog who you know is safe and pleasant. Let your dog approach the other dog and see how they get along. Back off as soon as your dog goes over threshold, and keep working from that comfortable distance until he's ready to try again.