a little help please

[sydneyandratchet]

I have a very adorable rescue mutt that I recieved when she was around 3 years old. I believe she may have come from an abusive home, but she has become completly socialized with people. My problem is with other dogs. I have never known a dog she has not ended up being friends with, but when she first meets any dog there is always a period of growling and lunging, to me it looks like loud playing, but it is scary to watch. I want her to be able to go to dog parks and play with other dogs, how do I get her to stop this first impression behavior?

[uberglamorous]

Hi there! I had the same problem before. My dog Pop also doesn't know how to socialize with other dogs so what I did was to take him to the park everyday until he got over the fear of interacting with other people and dogs. Training your dog needs a lot of work but you should be patient and everything else will follow.

[melody]

I totally agree. My pet Labrador PJ was not very friendly with my female beagle and to other dogs in our neighborhood and to all the people who are getting near our house. But after some weeks of training and patience, he eventually became friendly to all of us

[sydneyandratchet]

I agree but how do I ensure that while i am socializing her, no other dog gets harmed? Wouldn't other owners be put off by the image of a dog trotting up with a muzzle on?

[melody]

Hi Sydney, it really causes us worries when we see our dogs growling when we socialize them and some jumping, but you should remember that our dogs really need these activities if you don't want her to be anti social in the future. I'm sure other dog owners are aware of this too so I think you shouldn't worry about them. My tip is observe her if she is the biting type or if she just growls. If she is not biting, then let her take her time to practice socialization progressively, or I mean gradually increase the time you take her outside to play. Eventually, she'll develop her friendliness.