how can i socialise my dog?

hi - my little rescue dog is still a touch nervous with other dogs. i would like to socialise her, but not in a dog training class YET. she is too new, and uncertain of everything. anyone got any ideas, please?

thank you.
sama

Is there a dog park nearby? Can you meet with friend or family to go on group walks with the dogs? meet and greets? Can you go to the SPCA and offer to walk the other dogs at the same time as yours?

I don't knokw about the RSPCA, but here you can stop by if you want just to socialise your dogs with theirs. Ask them for a dog that is particularly good with other dogs.

Hope things get better for you and pooch.

When your out with her try & talk to other owners you meet & explain about her. They may be some who are willing to work with you & their dog on a one to one situation till she is more confident. A personal traner would be good if you could afford it but be careful as they are not all quite as good as each other. If you plan to go this route ask for advice about who is good in your area.

Just a few tips from my point of view:

1. DON'T overload her - take her to less busy places where you're only likely to see a couple of dogs during your walk, then gradually build up to busier places as she gets more confident

2. If she's unsure of everything - socialise her with environments and different things before getting her to meet other dogs - she needs to be confident of her surroundings before she meets other dogs otherwise she'll be under too much pressure and could end up getting more freaked out by the other dogs

3. As her confidence grows, take her to busier places, sit with her in a train station, a bus terminal or whatever where people can walk past and every now and again she gets a fuss. The more places you take her, the better she'll bond with you and the more she'll trust you when other dogs are around.

4. Try not to let her have any negative experiences with other dogs, don't tighten her leash when you see another dog, don't tell her off for nervous behaviour around another dog - everything should be kept fun.

Right that's me done for now - off I go, I have to write this CV some time today...

hi where abouts in kent are you as i might be able to meet up with one of my dogs and help you to help him if you feel up for it. let me now hun

sam

very many thanks for your suggestions! by some miracle, she has suddenly realised that other dogs are actually quite nice! she is beginning to sniff bottoms and introduce herself while standing her ground.

what an improvement! yesterday, she met tilly, and walked home next to her, on a loose lead, as good as gold!

sadly, last night, she misbehaved while out with my daughter, so she is now back on the lead for long walks!

thank you again,
sama

local park