Hi Everyone!

[Jasoninmd]

I am so thrilled to find this great resource. I grew up having dogs in Kentucky. I have lived in the Washington DC area for the last 14 years and was without a dog until this past March, when I found Gizmo, a Jack Russell-Corgie mix, at an adoption fair in Kentucky while visiting my family. I looked to so long for just the right companion. Boy did I hit the jack pot! Gizmo is just the sweetest, most lovable dog I have ever known, to me anyway... He really does have some socialization issues that I hope we can get past. I try to get him to a dog park whenever I can, but it is not enough. I have a back injury that does limit me and do have help to make sure that he gets out for long walks at least 4 times a day. There are many other dogs in my complex that Gizmo has befriended, but many people just pull there dogs away because Gizmo's idea of introducing himself is kinda scarry! He is fine once he spends a few times sniffing and playing "naughty snout" and with several of the other dogs, he just ignores. He can also seem vicious with people in dark clothing. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can break him of this? We have already had 1 issue of a bite (everyone is fine) and I don't want to have to go through that again. Any ideas would be greatly appriciated. I do use a muzzle when it is needed, but you can just tell he is embarresed. thanks everyone!!!

[uberglamorous]

Hi Jayson! I'm happy that you found yourself a great buddy. I experienced the same thing before with my dog. What I did was to call his attention when he starts getting into an aggressive state. Growling, which is a low level aggression can quickly escalate to a high level aggressive behavior.

For Gizmo, I think taking him to the park to socialize with people is a great idea. Once he gets used to the presence of other people and animals, he will learn that it is a safe environment. However, when he starts to display initial signs of aggression, you have to immediately correct his behavior and snap him out of it. You have to reprimand during the very instance of this behavior so he'll associate your disapproval with his undesirable action.