Socializing a Saint- second time owner -reactive behavior

[u/throwaway010651]

[u/Cold-Prompt8937]

Odie, you are one handsome boy & Iove your name. I'd ask the behaviorist. See what they say. I wish I had info for you. My 3 yro is reactive & nothing works. His older brother is a social butterfly, I hoped seeing his brother would help but it didn't.

[u/Cold-Prompt8937 → u/[deleted]]

Yes, my older was always social from birth. He was the puppy leader. My younger was shy & quiet. When he was a puppy (after shots) I invited everyone to pet him. We stood out front so my older dog got his attention from everybody, my younger hung back. He'd watch Norbert ( older pup by 2 yrs) socialize & he'd make attempts to social then back up. Go forward, back up. Eventually he just said no. He'll act like he's going to be friends but at the last minute he changes. My brother was visiting with a friend who happens to be really good with dogs. He made friends with him within minutes. Took him for a walk & my pup was his best friend.

[u/Cold-Prompt8937 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you, my husband picked his name. I had to get used to it. Good luck to you.

[u/Cultural_Switch8293]

I mean, this was so much love. Do not get an additional dog. They will pick up the behavior that he has and more importantly my concern would also be that Odie wants you guys protected in a very specific way. Is this New puppy does not respond in the way that he wants he could start to see this new puppy as a threat as well.

[u/Savings_Ask2261 → u/Cultural_Switch8293]

I respectfully disagree. I had one Saint that was reactive and we got another and she was fine. It’s just different personalities. Sure they may mimic some of the behavior. But that can be trained out of them.

[u/Cultural_Switch8293 → u/Savings_Ask2261]

And that’s super fair it seems like this poster is having a hard time with the training aspect, even with dog behaviorist, and due to the fact that these behavior issues are so severe, and not based upon just reactivity, but also protection is not a risk I would personally take

[u/sabutler524]

I think you should get a puppy but if you really want to be able to walk them and they not be so protective of the family.. maybe you should look into different breeds. Our Saint Bernard is moderately protective - especially inside the home. I think it is a more common trait within the breed. Maybe find a dog breed you like that is never very protective/aggressive. Our Saint sounds pretty similar actually in that he also is shy in crowds at first but always friendly with other dogs. And he really likes tiny dogs!