puppy socialisation

[maureenmcl]

As you know I have had Guinness now for 5 weeks and still climbing the learning curve.

Our walks with Guinness are not the best and different members of the family have slightly different experiences but we are following the training exercises but to be honest its hard work the constant pulling and wanting to walk in front is a real drain.

My question was about when you meet other dogs when out. Yesterday I took Guinness out on a walk in Cumbernauld Glen and was the first time I allowed him off the lead and he was great the best walk I have had with him. We met a number of dogs and the older dogs are usually really good with his exuberance and to be honest I let them keep him in his place and he for the most part takes heed its when I meet another puppy that I have a little concern. He met a 9 month old springer who was a little timid and they did the usual sniffing but then Guinness got a little excited and was in my opinion trying to dominate the other pup ( head over the shoulder etc) at what stage do I step in or do I just allow this behaviour?

Guinness was the same way with Blue staffy pup that Graeme takes to training problem here is that neither will give up dominance and when we were on the xmas eve walk they we at each other at every opportunity. Is this a case of let them sort it out or do I need to intervene?

[Janis]

maureen i think you are doing the right thing so far so don't fret too much!...........guinness is still very much a puppy!.............he will fit into whatever pack is around including you as you are pack leader!

now that all the festivities are nearly over and normality will resume there will be walks returning both day and night i assume so keep an eye out and get him out with as many different dogs as possible!

i have echo who is 15 weeks and she tries very hard to dominate my other two of which she almost manages with one and not a chance with the other and when she has been out for a walk with the other dogs she has taken on a dane or two and enjoyed the play!
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Cockapoo's...a little of this, a little of that..........
the perfect combination!

[Jack]

Maureen, I'm afraid you've just got to hang on in there love and not give him an inch on the walks - the whole family has to be consistent and he will EVENTUALLY get the message......unless he's like my Sykes in which case EVERY walk involves him pulling and making stupid noises and me/Mark correcting him for the first 20 minutes . By comparison the girls are a dream - their initial pulling excitement is usually over within 5 minutes or so.

As for the dominance thing I'd be correcting him every time he does it, play is fine but dominance needs to be watched carefully - it can all to easily lead into aggression - especially if the other dog is not the type to accept another trying to dominate it. John will be a great help in helping you here - it's always best to have someone on hand who can show you a few tricks as to how to overcome this. Good luck with it
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Staffies are my life! Visit us at www.staffies.co.uk

[Lorna]

Maureen, good advice given. Walking with all the dogs will help. If you see me down the Glen or over the park with the Danes just let Guinness play with them. We are over the glen every day.
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Regards,
Lorna, Basil & Poppy
Great Danes are not substitute children. They are much more important than that!